BEOWULF
A Screenplay by
R. Scot Johns
Adapted from the Anonymous
10th Century Old English poem
FINAL DRAFT
August 2003
“BEOWULF”
FADE IN:
INT. HEOROT – NIGHT
Flames rise into darkness, illuminating the grim face of a
VIKING WARRIOR. SOUNDS OF BATTLE echo around him: the clang of
metal, the sizzle of burning flesh, cries of victory and defeat.
TITLE: DENMARK, 503 A.D.
With ravenous brutality the warrior grimaces -- and bites into a
leg of roast pig. He rises to tower above a stone fire pit, over
which a boar sizzles on its iron spit.
A FIGURE flies past and we hear the CRASH of splintered wood.
ECGTHEOW (Edge-thay-o), our grim warrior -- a hardened war
veteran at 28 -- bellows with laughter, spewing gobbets of meat.
ECGTHEOW
Ha! Nice move, Æschere. My mother
could do better!
ÆSCHERE, a rugged 20-year-old, lies sprawled amongst the
shattered remains of a wooden table, eyeing Ecgtheow coldly.
ÆSCHERE
Your mother beat you, didn’t she?
Ecgtheow roars and lunges at Æschere. Wolves lap up spilt food.
Heorot is a massive timber mead-hall, newly built and designed
to impress, glowing golden in the flickering firelight. The hall
is packed to overflowing with drunken revelers.
Ecgtheow gets Æschere in a headlock.
ÆSCHERE
Gods, Ecgtheow, you fight like my
wife.
ECGTHEOW
Ah, your wife gave me no trouble
at all, I can assure you!
Æschere slams his elbow into Ecgtheow’s ribs and they battle on.
2
AT A NEARBY TABLE
UNFERTH, 16, and YRMENLAF, 18, arm-wrestle between sharp daggers
held point-upwards. Beads of sweat drip onto clenched fists.
Æschere and Ecgtheow tumble into Unferth, who howls in pain, a
dagger protruding from the back of his hand. The crowd bellows
with laughter, but quickly falls silent as-Unferth plucks the blade out and turns on them, scowling. He is
a dark man with dark features, all angles and hard lines.
FROM THE HIGH TABLE
KING HROTHGAR watches with amusement.
HROTHGAR
Easy now, Unferth. You’ll spoil
the fun of our first night in the
new hall!
A powerful warlord at the height of his reign, Hrothgar wears
his captured wealth for all to see. Above his chiseled features
looms a crown of golden antlers. His 30 years have been kind.
On his left sits QUEEN WEALTHEOW, 24, hair flaming red. She is
regal and elegant, an island of civility in a sea of brutality.
At her side 6-year-old FREAWARU emulates her every move. On the
King’s right two sons, ages 7 and 8, wrestle and roughhouse.
And in the final seat, isolated on the outside next to Freawaru,
sulks HROTHULF, the King’s 10-year-old nephew, a troubled youth.
NOTE: Danish hair is dark, Celts & Geats red, the Swedes blonde.
Ecgtheow is a Geat, Wealtheow a Celt. All others here are Danes.
Reluctantly, Unferth sits down, nursing his hand. A wolf licks
at the wound, but Unferth slaps it away. The wolf growls.
HROTHGAR
A drink to Heorot, the Hall of the
Hart, mightiest of mead-halls in
all the Northern realm!
Cheers go up as mead goes down. The warriors call for “A song!”
HROTHGAR
Aye! Tell us a tale, good SongSmith, to wear the night away!
3
An OLD BARD moves to the center of the hall and plucks a few
NOTES from a small golden harp. The Danes settle back to enjoy.
BARD
Listen now friends! To the glory
of the Danes in days gone by, of
the kings of our clan, leaders of
men! Hear now of heroes and the
clash of steel, the feats of
courage of kith and kin, our noble
ancestors gone before! Though they
have fallen their deeds remain,
recorded in song, remembered by
all!
The Danes cry out their approval of the Bard’s beginning.
BARD
Hear now of Hrothgar, bold son of
Healfdene, mightiest of men,
fearsome in war. He grew great in
honor, rich in reward, far spread
his name through the lands of the
North. Great are his gifts, the
giver of rings; he terrifies the
foe, that is a good King!
The warriors pound the tables, voicing pride in clan and king.
THE DANES
Hrothgar! Hrothgar! Hrothgar!
With a sudden THUNDEROUS CRASH the entryway doors burst inward,
their timbers shattered, the iron hinges wrenched askew.
Looming in the doorway is the giant ogre GRENDEL. Eyes burn
fiery red beneath stringy hair. Sharp teeth protrude at angles
from a slavering mouth.
HROTHGAR
Defend the hall!
The men leap to their feet, reaching for weapons. A barrage of
spears hit Grendel, only to bounce back ineffectually.
ÆSCHERE
Odin protect us.
4
Hrothgar leaps over the table, sword drawn. Hrothulf joins him.
HROTHGAR
Swords, men! Arm yourselves!
A dozen warriors close in on the ogre, swords drawn.
Unferth backs away, standing guard near the Queen and children.
The Bard stands frozen with terror in the center of the hall.
HRETHRIC, the 8-year-old, reaches for a battle-axe hanging on
the wall. The weapon CRASHES LOUDLY to the table. Hrothgar turns
to see the boy dragging the too-heavy weapon across the floor.
HROTHGAR
Unferth, get them out of here!
Unferth pulls the defiantly kicking child away as-Grendel slashes the nearest man with a clawed hand, splashing
the walls of Heorot red. A second man is gutted, a third crushed
in one great paw. Men are torn limb from limb. The beast devours
the parts whole, blood oozing from its gaping maw.
Hrothulf suddenly finds himself face-to-face with the demon.
Grendel towers over the boy, grinning. Hrothulf goes pale.
HROTHGAR
Hrothulf! No!!!
Ecgtheow steps into view between them, sword raised.
Grendel ROARS defiance as Ecgtheow swings with all he’s got. The
blade WHISTLES as it cuts air, arcing downward---and CLANGS as it hits home, notching the blade.
The Danes stare in disbelief as Grendel knocks the blade from
Ecgtheow’s hands and grips him by the throat, squeezing until
TEARS OF BLOOD seep from Ecgtheow’s eyes.
Weapons CLATTER to the floor as the Danes flee in terror.
Æschere drags the wide-eyed Hrothgar toward the rear door,
leaving the Bard frozen where he stands. The harp falls with an
unmelodious TWANG to lie broken on the blood-spattered floor.
Grendel throws back his head and HOWLS with glee.
5
EXT. OPEN SEA – DAY
A VIKING LONGSHIP cuts through crashing waves, its wooden stem
carved with the head of a screaming dragon.
TITLE: Twelve Years Later...
BEOWULF stands alone at the prow. At 24, he is a towering hulk,
stern and grim. Hardened muscles glisten with sea-spray.
FOURTEEN WARRIORS man the ship. All are young men like their
leader, most of them untried warriors in search of adventure.
Each has his reasons for coming. Some already regret it.
HONDSCIO (Hond-show), the Boatswain, approaches Beowulf.
BEOWULF
How much longer, Hondscio? Two
days now have we sailed, and yet
another is nearly gone.
HONDSCIO
Not far now, my lord. We should
see the cliffs of Dane-Mark within
the hour.
As Beowulf scans the horizon, Hondscio scrutinizes him covertly.
HONDSCIO
Be not impatient, my friend. Fate
will find us soon enough.
BEOWULF
This incessant waiting is not for
me. Always have I disliked the
silence before a battle.
HONDSCIO
Aye, it is then that a man’s fears
most betray him.
Beowulf flashes a frown at Hondscio.
HONDSCIO
I mean nothing by it, my Lord.
Hondscio hesitates, searching for the fine line between
friendship and duty.
6
HONDSCIO
Personally, I have always feared
the moments before going home to
my wife. The wrath of an impatient
woman is far more fearsome than
any battle, I can tell you!
Beowulf does not share his humor. Hondscio’s smile fades.
BEOWULF
My heart is weary, Hondscio.
HONDSCIO
Forget her, Beowulf. She is not
for you. Find another.
Hondscio glances back at the crew, who are furtively watching
them. The men turn quickly back to their business.
AT THE STERN
EOFOR, 19, mans the tiller while 20-year-old brother HROLF tends
to the rigging. Hrolf is quietly pessimistic, Eofor less quiet.
OTTAR, a gruff bear of a man with full plaited beard at 25,
carves a piece of wood, a skin-drum sitting idle between crossed
legs. The wood slowly takes on the shape of an ogre.
WIGLAF (Wee-laugh), the youngest at 17, gathers the shavings
into a bag for tinder. A strawberry-blonde half-Swede, he’s
something of a scullery boy, spending his time cleaning up after
the others and finding clever uses for the gathered materials.
WIGLAF
What do you think they’re saying,
Ottar?
OTTAR
I don’t know, lad, but it don’t
look encouraging.
EOFOR
What’s to be encouraged about? We
go to battle a beast no blade can
slay.
Nearby, SVEIN the Iron-Smith sharpens a familiar broadsword. At
27, he is the eldest among them, already a hardened war veteran.
7
SVEIN
This blade was forged in the fires
of Wayland’s smithy, boy. She’ll
rend the very roots of Yggdrasil,
the Eternal Tree.
WIGLAF
I’ve heard it told that Beowulf
slew a Frost-Giant with that
sword. Is that true, Svein?
SVEIN
Aye lad, that is so, for I was
with him even then. ‘Tis said the
Valkyrie themselves fear this
weapon, for it is truly a hero’s
blade.
OTTAR
It was his father’s sword.
The men admire the finely-crafted, jewel-encrusted weapon,
marred only by a single notch in the blade.
HROLF
Let us hope it serves us well once
more.
AT THE BOW
The dragon prow screams its silent defiance, no less frightening
than Beowulf’s grim scowl. Hondscio steels himself to continue.
HONDSCIO
You are the King’s nephew,
Beowulf, and like it or not,
Hæreth is now your Queen. Our
place is in Geat-Land beside the
throne we have sworn to protect,
not under a barrow tomb on some
foreign shore.
Beowulf turns on him.
BEOWULF
Do you fear death, Hondscio? Is
that it? Are you afraid of what
awaits us?
8
HONDSCIO
Yes, I am afraid! We are all of us
afraid, as well we should be!
The crew can’t help but look. Hondscio calms himself.
HONDSCIO
All men fear death who face it
every day, Beowulf. You yourself
taught me that without fear there
is no need of courage.
BEOWULF
Then I no longer have need of it.
Hondscio sighs with resignation.
BEOWULF
There is nothing now left for me
upon this Earth but to die with
honor, and savor what glory there
might be in that.
HONDSCIO
Death will find us each in our own
time, do not doubt that. We may
face it bravely, but we need not
seek it out willingly.
Beowulf turns away, realizing he has exposed too much.
BEOWULF
The land of my fathers is behind
me now. I will not look upon those
shores again.
HONDSCIO
Women are not that crucial, my
friend. Do not fool yourself into
thinking them so.
BEOWULF
Do not mock me, Hondscio! You have
a fine wife, and soon a strong
child to bear your name-Now Hondscio turns away. Beowulf sees his mistake too late.
9
BEOWULF
Nor is it that I must simply find
a mate to bear my kin, for that
would not prove too hard I think!
Hondscio shoots him a skeptical glance.
BEOWULF
There are women who would have me,
though by your look I see you
doubt me!
HONDSCIO
No one will have you, Beowulf. But
by the gods, you will have them!
The two friends share a laugh, breaking the tension.
The crew, relieved, turn back to their duties. Eofor struggles
with the growing swells as the ship begins to sway inexplicably.
Perplexed, Hrolf checks the sail, but the wind hasn’t changed.
Beowulf and Hondscio are too absorbed to notice.
BEOWULF
Ah, Hondscio, what are we to do? I
know you did not want to come, and
I am sorry now I have brought you,
but I can’t turn back now.
HONDSCIO
Then we must go on.
They gaze out across the sea, but their eyes are far away.
A flock of snow geese glide gracefully by and Beowulf’s hand
moves to a silver brooch pinning his cloak, shaped like a swan.
FLASHBACK - GEATLAND HARBOR – DAY
Beowulf’s ship sits ready to sail in a protected harbor filled
with merchant ships and vessels of war, a thriving seaport.
Beowulf and his men stand on the shore, a crowd gathered around
to bid them farewell. For some the parting is sad, but not all.
Hondscio shares a tender moment with his wife HANNAH, placing a
hand gently on her swollen belly. Hrolf and Eofor, however, get
a stern lecture from their overbearing father, WONRED.
10
Before Beowulf stands HÆRETH, a young woman of radiant beauty,
her wine-red curls crowned by an ornate silver headpiece. In her
eyes is a pained yearning that betrays her outward poise. She
removes the swan brooch from her cloak, holding it out to
Beowulf. Fingers touch. Eyes meet. Just as she starts to speak---into view steps HYGELAC, King of the Geats. Easily twice
Hæreth's age, he bears the burden of hard years upon a thin,
craggy face. An iron crown rests heavy on his balding head.
Hygelac takes Hæreth’s hand in his. She smiles weakly and averts
her eyes as Beowulf bows before them. Behind Hygelac, his 14year-old son HEARDRED glowers moodily at Beowulf, while nearby
Hæreth’s father HALDAR and 15-year-old brother ERIK watch sadly.
A BLACK RAVEN CAWS as it flits by, heading out to sea.
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf, alone now at the prow, gazes at the brooch in his hand.
BEOWULF
Farewell, fair Queen.
He starts to toss the brooch overboard, but the SHIP LURCHES,
sending him sprawling. The brooch skitters across the deck.
The RAVEN CRIES OUT from atop the mast as a SEA SERPENT rises
from the water in front of the ship. Its great curving neck and
gaping mouth mirror the dragon’s head prow, dwarfing it many
times over. The SERPENT SCREAMS.
Panic ensues as the SHIP ROCKS WILDLY, sending men flailing.
Eofor clings to the helm, the tiller out of water. Hrolf swings
from a rope, feet treading air. Ottar and his drum go overboard.
SVEIN
Man in the water!
Wiglaf leaps to the rail, searching the teeming waters. Hondscio
rushes to help Hrolf control the billowing sail.
HONDSCIO
Man the ropes! Furl the sail!
The ship lists dangerously to one side.
EOFOR
She’s going over!
11
HONDSCIO
All hands starboard!
With a mighty swing, Svein sinks the broadsword into the mast,
severing the sheet-ropes, bringing the sail down with a CRASH.
The ship settles to. Svein hefts the sword with satisfaction.
All eyes turn to Beowulf at the prow as the Serpent looms up
before him, fangs bared, spiked fins flaring.
The Serpent bears down on the ship with gaping maw. Beowulf
leaps aside as foot-long fangs CHOMP into the bow. The ship
rocks violently. The beast rears up, spewing wood chunks.
BEOWULF
Spears, men! Now!
A barrage of spears slam into the Serpent’s neck. The Serpent
WAILS its agony.
Eofor remains astern as the others rush forward.
BEOWULF
Svein! Sword!
Svein heaves the sword end over end. Beowulf ducks as it sails
by mere inches from his head to sink in the Serpent’s neck.
Beowulf glares at Svein, who grimaces a comic “sorry!”
HROLF
Nice toss, Thor!
Beowulf leaps atop the rail. Grasping for the sword hilt, he
draws the blade out as the creature rears up to attack.
The beast SCREAMS with rage, spewing blood and sea-water.
Beowulf screams back, brandishing the blood-drenched weapon.
An arrow THUDS into one of the Serpent’s eyes. The beast SHRIEKS
and turns on Wiglaf, who fumbles frantically for a second arrow.
Beowulf swings with all his might, the blade passing cleanly
through the beast’s neck, but the screaming head keeps coming.
BEOWULF
Wiglaf!
Wiglaf’s eyes go wide as the gaping mouth bears down on him.
12
The men scatter as the great head crashes to the deck,
swallowing Wiglaf. They gape and stare in disbelief.
Wiglaf’s saliva-covered head pops out from the severed neck.
WIGLAF
Blech! Eaten by a Serpent!
They laugh and sigh with relief. Svein helps Wiglaf up.
OTTAR (OS)
Help! Help!
IN THE OCEAN
Ottar clings to his drum, flailing. The men gaze over the side
to see their sodden companion floating in the sea.
BEOWULF
What’s the matter, Ottar? Afraid
of a little Water Würm, are you?
OTTAR
Nay! I only thought I might join
the wee beastie for a bit of a
swim!
More laughter ensues as they haul Ottar in.
BACK ON THE SHIP
Beowulf surveys the damage as Svein cuts two fangs from the
Serpent’s mouth and holds them up to his conical helm.
HROLF
That’s a nice fashion statement,
Svein, but it’ll never go over
with the ladies.
Svein scowls comically, and there is another bout of laughter.
BEOWULF
Okay, men, let’s clear this deck!
Hrolf, get that sail up! Hondscio,
Eofor, get this ship back on
course!
EOFOR
Aye, my lord!
13
Hondscio tosses Beowulf the swan brooch with a meaningful glare
before moving off to carry out his orders.
Beowulf silently closes his hand on the brooch.
Svein and Hrolf rig new ropes and draw the sail up. Hondscio
sniffs the air and checks the position of the sun.
HONDSCIO
Three marks to port and hold her
steady, Eofor. Keep the sun just
off the masthead.
EOFOR
Aye, aye, Bos'n!
HROLF
Wind's changing, Cap’n.
Beowulf nods, but gives no orders. They all scan the horizon.
Suddenly, the RAVEN CAWS and flits away.
WIGLAF
Landfall! Landfall dead ahead!
Wiglaf points ahead, where far off on the horizon the faint
outline of land can be seen, shrouded in a hazy mist.
Hondscio frowns.
EXT. DANISH FJORD - DAY
The ship is rowed up a misty fjord to the STEADY BEAT of Ottar’s
drum. The MOANING CREAK of the oars is unsettling and the men
gaze about uneasily, but nothing moves in the sullen stillness.
EXT. DANISH HARBOR - DAY
The oars are banked as the ship glides into a shallow harbor.
A handful of dilapidated ships lie deserted on a log-strewn
shore beneath rocky bluffs shrouded in the thick haze of hot
springs and waterfalls.
Beowulf remains in the prow, surveying the land, as the ship is
drawn ashore and secured by thick ropes to moss-covered pilings.
FROM ATOP THE BLUFF
We look down as the Geats begin to unload their war-gear.
14
FROM BELOW
The men see a SHADOW moving slowly down the bluff towards them.
They draw weapons and form a shield wall in front of the ship.
THE SHADOW looms ever larger, until---A MOUNTED GUARD emerges, bearing a bannered spear emblazoned
with the crest of the Antlered Stag. He is WULFGAR, a young but
rugged warrior, scarred with claw marks upon one cheek.
WULFGAR
Hail! I am Wulfgar, Harbor-Guard
to Hrothgar, High King of Danes.
Who are you who come so boldly
bearing arms of war, treading on
lands not your own?
Beowulf sees that Wulfgar’s knuckles are white upon the staff.
WULFGAR
If you be friend, step forward and
be accounted welcome. Yet if you
be not, stand fast to meet your
Fate, for as I am a man bound to
honor my King, you shall perish
here upon this sand. Speak now if
ever again you would do so in this
world!
Beowulf leaps overboard to land solidly on the shore. Wulfgar
points the tip of his spear at Beowulf’s chest.
BEOWULF
Hail and well met, good Sea-Guard!
I am Beowulf, hearth-companion to
Hygelac, King across the sea.
WULFGAR
Aye, well do we know of you. And
of Ecgtheow, your father, who long
dwelt in our land. His battle-fame
is often sung among our clan.
BEOWULF
It is in payment for the kindness
shown my father that I have come.
And to avenge his death upon the
creature that haunts your land.
15
WULFGAR
Grendel we have named the beast,
for it grinds men’s bones in its
greedy teeth. No man can stand
against this thing. Return to your
fair home, friends. There is
nothing for you here but sorrow.
BEOWULF
I vowed when I set out across the
sea never to return until I rid
this land of its evil curse.
WULFGAR
That is a noble oath. Yet a wise
man must know the difference
between proud words and bold
deeds. Many men boast, but few
here live to tell the tale.
BEOWULF
Only the deed itself will make
that distinction clear.
WULFGAR
Go then forth to meet your Fate.
Follow close, and I shall lead you
to the hall which Grendel haunts.
Wulfgar spurs his steed about.
EXT. INLAND ROAD - DAY
Beowulf and his six key companions march single-file, following
Wulfgar inland along an overgrown dirt track. They glance about
warily as EERIE SOUNDS emerge from the encroaching forest.
EXT. HEOROT VALLEY – DAY
Cresting a rise where the path runs between rune-carved menhirs,
the men stop short as the towering hall of Heorot comes into
view, rising from the center of a sprawling Norse village. The
Raven sits atop one of the standing stones, watching them.
WULFGAR
Here is Heorot, the Hall of the
Hart, home of heroes, once-festive
feasting place of Hrothgar, joyful
no more.
16
The hall is both commanding and ornately wrought. Gold roof
tiles cap intricately carved timbers. A pair of golden antlers
crown the gable above the double entry doors.
Beyond the hall lies a vast field of barrow-mounds and standing
stones, a mute testament to Grendel’s reign of terror.
WULFGAR
I will ride ahead and announce
your coming.
Wulfgar spurs his steed on down the road.
EXT. HEOROT VILLAGE - DAY
As the men draw closer, signs of long neglect are seen. Many of
the longhouses are crumbled and decaying. A wagon lies askew,
overgrown with vines. A forge stands unused, its anvil rusted.
SVEIN
Seems pleasant enough.
The few occupants to be seen quickly disappear into their huts.
INT. HEOROT – DAY
Dust and cobwebs fill the now derelict hall. Banners hang torn
and limp, and only a few sputtering torches light the smoky din.
HROTHGAR slumps wearily on his throne. Deep lines crease his
haggard face, and the crown is tarnished upon his grizzled head.
As Wulfgar enters, UNFERTH and ÆSCHERE are arguing heatedly from
opposite sides of the throne, while YRMENLAF sits dejectedly by.
They are older, sadder, mere shadows of the men they once were.
UNFERTH
We have lost too many, my Lord!
We can stay no longer in this
accursed land.
ÆSCHERE
You cower beside the throne like a
whimpering lap-dog.
UNFERTH
Better beside it than behind it!
Æschere’s hand goes to his sword hilt. But at that moment--
17
Wulfgar enters. He salutes the King as he approaches the throne.
HROTHGAR
What news, Wulfgar?
WULFGAR
Good my Lord, a band of battle
worthy warriors have arrived in
our fair land, traveling from afar
across the sea.
UNFERTH
Who are they, and what is their
claim upon our throne?
WULFGAR
Geats they call themselves. They
make request, my shielding King,
that they might exchange their
words with yours.
UNFERTH
My Lord, this is yet another
upstart clan come to prey upon us
in our need!
Hrothgar slumps under the weight of his burden.
EXT. HEOROT - DAY
As the Geats approach the hall, Grendel’s ravages become clear:
deep gouges mar the 12-foot oaken doors, which are cobbled
together by reinforcing beams; the stone steps are stained with
blood; and all about are piles of wreckage overgrown with weeds.
EOFOR
Last chance...
Beowulf glares at him.
EOFOR
Just kidding.
The Door-Wardens at their posts grip their spears tighter.
INT. HEOROT - DAY
Unferth kneels close beside the King.
18
UNFERTH
Admit them not, my Lord, or we
shall find ourselves hard pressed
to fend them off when they have
gained a foothold in our land.
HROTHGAR
How many are they, Wulfgar?
WULFGAR
They are but some twelve and
three, my King. Yet their leader
is a man of noble bearing the like
of which I have not seen before.
He is a mighty man, and much
renowned, if he be named aright.
UNFERTH
Who is this craven foe who comes
upon us as a raven feeding after
warfare?
WULFGAR
Beowulf he names himself, my Lord,
and says he knew you once.
At this Hrothgar starts up, roaring with laughter.
HROTHGAR
Beowulf! Ha! Why, I knew him when
he was but a boy! He came here
with his father long ago. You
remember, Æschere...
ÆSCHERE
Aye, good Ecgtheow! Much I miss
his laughter in this hall.
HROTHGAR
So now the son has returned at
last...
WULFGAR
I have heard seafarers say that he
has gained great war-fame there.
They say that in his grip is the
might of thirty men!
19
UNFERTH
Ha! Only Odin has such strength.
YRMENLAF
They say he has the might of Odin
in my arms.
UNFERTH
No mortal man can make that claim!
WULFGAR
They come to fight Grendel.
This silences Unferth.
HROTHGAR
Then I shall greet these men with
rich reward for the courage of
their coming! Call them in!
Wulfgar bows and turns to leave, but stops short-Silhouetted in the doorway, looking not unlike Grendel, is
Beowulf. He leads his men down the center of the hall to stand
tall and proud before the King.
BEOWULF
Hail mighty Hrothgar, health ever
keep you! I am Beowulf, son of
Ecgtheow. I have come to avenge my
father’s death!
Unferth draws his sword.
BEOWULF
My uncle-king has advised me to
seek this land, to put my war
strength to the test, for often
has he seen me on the battlefield,
dripping with my enemies’ blood. I
have defeated every foe that has
ever stood against me.
Unferth’s sword arm wavers.
BEOWULF
Now the name of Grendel calls me
hence, and I have come to pay my
father's debt!
20
Hrothgar pushes Unferth’s sword aside. He stands slowly,
encumbered by age, and grips Beowulf firmly by the shoulders.
HROTHGAR
Welcome Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow
our friend. Welcome and well met
once more!
EXT. GEATLAND HARBOR - DAY
An imposing fortress sits atop a bluff overlooking the sea.
Banners bearing the crest of the WINGED SERPENT flutter above.
Sprawling around its base is a thriving seaport market town,
nestled in the protected harbor of the Göta River estuary.
TITLE: GÖTABORG, GEATLAND
A string of watchtowers line the cliff-top. Beyond them, Sorrow
Hill rises, crowned with a ring of standing stones.
EXT. FORTRESS RAMPARTS - DAY
HÆRETH stands on the parapet gazing out to sea. HANNAH, pregnant
wife of Hondscio, is there beside her, shuffling nervously.
HANNAH
Do you really think they’ll be
back?
Hæreth turns to her friend with a look of compassion.
HÆRETH
I...I don’t know, Hannah. But if
anyone can scare off an ogre it’s
those two louts. What we ever saw
in them I’ll never know!
They share a laugh, but it’s unconvincing and soon falters.
HÆRETH
He’ll come home.
It’s uncertain who she means. Her eyes wander to the village,
where FOUR YOUNG TEENAGERS run laughing through the streets-FLASHBACK - HÆRETH’S CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
--they are young and in love, in the spring of their life, and
the pairings are clear: BEOWULF and HÆRETH, HONDSCIO and HANNAH.
21
The teens emerge from the crowded marketplace into open meadow,
shouting and teasing as they climb the slopes of Sorrow Hill.
YOUNG BEOWULF
I am Thor Almighty, God of
Thunder! Kneel before me Hondscio,
for none can withstand my wrath!
YOUNG HONDSCIO
You’re Freya, Goddess of Love and
Poetry! Sing me a song, sweet one!
Beowulf lunges at Hondscio and they tumble down the hill. The
girls roll their eyes and giggle, trading whispered secrets.
BACK TO PRESENT
Hæreth watches the kids roll around in the grass of Sorrow Hill
-- but it’s four other children. She smiles weakly up at Hannah.
EXT. UPSALA - DAY
An immense military compound comprised of circular earthworks
crowned with heavy timber palisades.
TITLE: UPSALA, SWEDEN
THREE HORSEMEN approach, riding hard. The gates swing open and
they thunder through.
INT. UPSALA HALL - DAY
The SWEDISH WAR-COUNCIL surveys a map on which we see the
relative positions of our three locations. Between UPSALA and
GÖTABORG lie the forest of RAVENSWOOD and the large LAKE VÆNÍR.
Commanding the scene is KING ONGENTHEOW, a hardened war veteran
of 45. He sports a wicked scar across one cheek.
OTHERE, his eldest son at 27, is tall, husky, and handsome.
ONELA, the younger, is 25 and gangly. A line of three parallel
scars run the length of his face, crossing a blind right eye.
ONGENTHEOW
I want it burned to the ground! I
want them wiped out to the last
man! I want Hygelac’s head hung
from the battlement -- and I want
my wife back!
22
COUNCILMEN
Yes, Lord Ongentheow.
Among the Councilmen is WEOHSTAN, a 35-year-old red-haired Geat,
father to Wiglaf. He is torn by conflicting loyalties, having
married into a clan who are about to make war on his own people.
ONGENTHEOW
How soon can we be ready, Othere?
OTHERE
The men are ready now, father.
ONGENTHEOW
Good. We will crush the Geats and
take their lands. And if your
brother Onela does his job among
the Danes, we will take their
lands too.
ONELA
Yes, father.
ONGENTHEOW
(to Onela)
Take that Danish bitch-wife of
yours and pay her kin a visit. Do
what you must, and do it soon!
ONELA
Yes, father.
ONGENTHEOW
Beowulf must not return.
The riders enter, led by OSLAF, Commander of the Cavalry.
ONGENTHEOW
Report!
OSLAF
The Geats are encamped near
Ravenswood, my Lord.
ONGENTHEOW
We march within the hour.
Weohstan frowns and stares at the floor.
23
INT. HEOROT - DAY
The hall is again alive with activity as the Danes welcome the
Geats in royal fashion. There is a steady influx of revelers.
Ottar eyes a buxom serving wench lustily as she leans in to fill
his cup. Hondscio elbows him, spilling ale in his lap. Ottar
glances up at the lass with an embarrassed laugh. She smiles.
Beowulf sits beside Hrothgar at the high table.
HROTHGAR
Young I was, and new yet to my
throne when your father came to
us. We were a force to be reckoned
with then, we Danes.
BEOWULF
What happened? To my father, I
mean.
Hrothgar glances at Beowulf.
HROTHGAR
I settled his feud with the
Wylfing clan, and took their
chieftain’s daughter for my bride.
Your father swore me oaths then,
and long he lived with us while
you were yet a boy, raised in your
royal uncle’s hall across the sea.
Much your father missed you then.
FLASHBACK - HROTHGAR’S REVERIE
Ecgtheow stands before him with YOUNG BEOWULF at his side, hand
on his son’s shoulder, pride glowing on his face.
BACK TO PRESENT
HROTHGAR
But Fate fares ever as it must.
Beowulf nods grimly.
BEOWULF
Good it is again to greet you, but
sad it is to see this Fate that
has befallen you.
24
HROTHGAR
Aye, many men have fallen here
that should instead have feasted.
Only Grendel holds the banquet
now. Soon, though, the ogre must
be sated, for little more remains
to feed him here.
WEALTHEOW enters through a rear door. At 36, she yet retains her
regal bearing, but it is now tinged with a deep melancholy.
She is followed by HRETHRIC and HROTHMUND, stern young men of 20
and 19 respectively. HROTHULF, now a bitter and brooding 22year-old, enters behind.
HROTHGAR
Ah, here is Wealtheow my wife,
daughter of Helm, bringer of my
joy. Sadly, I have given her
naught but sorrow in return.
BEOWULF
Greetings, good Lady.
WEALTHEOW
Greetings, Beowulf, and welcome.
These are our sons, Hrethric and
Hrothmund, heirs to the Danish
throne, such as it is.
Beowulf salutes them. The boys bow in turn.
HRETHRIC
Welcome to Dane-Mark.
HROTHMUND
Welcome to Heorot.
HROTHGAR
And here is Hrothulf, son of Halga
my brother, now dead, slain by
Ongentheow the Swede at the Battle
of Sorrow Hill, in your own land.
HROTHULF
Welcome to Grendel’s lair.
Wealtheow frowns with distaste.
25
BEOWULF
Aye, I remember Halga. For I was
at that battle, though I was but a
boy. The Swedes have been our
mortal enemies since that day.
HROTHULF
Likewise mine.
WEALTHEOW
That feud was settled with the
peace-weaving. And Yrsa, your
mother-HROTHGAR
Our only sister.
WEALTHEOW
--was the bride-price of that
oath, given in marriage to Onela
to bind the death-wound.
HROTHULF
I know who my mother is.
WEALTHEOW
There has been peace between us
since that day. Let it remain so.
Hrothulf turns away, taking a seat near Unferth in a corner.
Wealtheow and the two sons take their places at the high table.
HROTHGAR
But come, let us drink to Beowulf!
To your victories, both of the
past and yet to come! Great will
be Grendel’s fall this night!
All but Unferth and Hrothulf drink with rousing cheers.
HROTHGAR
Unbind your thoughts now to your
fellow men, great warrior! Tell us
a tale of wonder, that our hearts
might know such things are yet
possible in this dark world!
Beowulf leaps atop a table, kicking platters aside.
26
BEOWULF
Aye, but there are so many! How
can I choose but one?
The hall rocks with laughter and groans. A few crusts of bread
are thrown. Beowulf holds up his hands in mock defense.
BEOWULF
Alright! Alright! Perhaps the Tale
of the Giant Stone-Eaters then?
A rousing cry of approval. But from a dark corner-UNFERTH
So you claim to be the mighty
Beowulf of whom we all have heard.
The hall falls silent as Unferth rises, swaying unsteadily.
UNFERTH
Are you that same boastful fool
who challenged Breca to a swimming
bout out on the open sea?
The Geats rise at this affront, but Beowulf motions them to sit.
They do so reluctantly. Beowulf leaps down in front of Unferth.
BEOWULF
A fool, perhaps, but Beowulf
indeed!
UNFERTH
Seven nights you swam, I’ve heard
it said. To see who could swim the
furthest out to sea.
Unferth flails his arms wildly as if swimming. Beowulf leans
casually against the table, amused at his antics.
UNFERTH
But in the end Breca proved he had
the greater strength, not you. For
the sea-path bore him to his home
far away in distant Norway. Yet
where were you then, mighty
swimmer? Clinging to a sodden log
like some reluctant lemming?
Svein, at the nearby table, stretches his legs...
27
Unferth stumbles, catching himself on the edge of the table. He
looks up into Svein’s scowling face, then at the dagger in his
hand. Sneering, Unferth drains Svein’s cup in a single swallow.
Wiping foam from his mustache, Unferth turns back to Beowulf.
UNFERTH
Luck you may had in other battles
that you've fought, but your luck
may see a change tonight, I think.
Beowulf laughs and holds up his ale-horn.
BEOWULF
A toast to Unferth, spinner of
stories, weaver of mighty words!
(drains his cup)
Unferth my friend, full of ale,
truly you have swum more seas than
I this night!
A murmur of laughter ripples through the hall.
BEOWULF
What a great deal you have said
about nothing at all. Little do
you know of the doings of heroes.
Unferth grabs the hilt of his sword, but before he can draw
Beowulf grips him by the throat, lifting him off his feet.
Stunned silence. Unferth’s eyes go wide with fear.
BEOWULF
(quietly)
You know nothing about me.
Beowulf releases Unferth, who falls to the floor, gasping.
BEOWULF
But you have not told the tale in
full, my friend, for perhaps you
do not know it all. It is true
that Breca swam the furthest, for
a mighty sea-farer he has always
been.
Beowulf turns to face the hall.
28
BEOWULF
But I stayed afloat the longer,
endured the greater agony, and
fought a battle in the open sea
such as few have done before or
since.
FLASHBACK - THE SWIMMING CONTEST
BRECA and YOUNG BEOWULF swim through churning waters.
BEOWULF (VO)
Five nights we swam together side
by side, until upon us came a
raging storm.
Breca is washed out of the scene by crashing waves.
BEOWULF (VO)
Rough were the waves that surged
around me then, stirring up the
demons of the deep.
The wave-crests turn into snarling WATER-DEMONS. He thrashes
about with his dagger, turning the waves red, until-WRITHING CLAWED TENTACLES rise up all around him, smashing down
as one and pulling him under.
BEOWULF (VO)
Some fierce Sea-Creature dragged
me down, held me in its grip at
the bottom of the sea.
Beowulf is dragged down through bubbles and waving strands of
seaweed. He struggles to get free, gasping for air. Before him a
GREAT EYE OPENS, followed by a GAPING MOUTH.
BEOWULF (VO)
But the Fates were with me then,
guiding my blade when I was blind.
He gets an arm free and draws his sword. A SILVER LIGHT shines
from the blade. He stabs it into the eye. With a GURGLING WAIL
the tentacles release their grip and he lunges upward.
Beowulf breaks through the surface, gasping for air. The first
rays of dawn reflect blood-red upon the now-calm sea.
29
BEOWULF (VO)
When at last Odin's beacon shone
again upon the world, I could see
the wind-swept sea-cliffs of my
homeland standing out upon the
furthest edges of the world.
The shore is littered with slain sea-creatures. YOUNG HONDSCIO
stands there, shaking his head as Beowulf drags himself out of
the sea, sword in hand.
BEOWULF (VO)
So Fate will save a man if his
courage holds.
BACK TO PRESENT
BEOWULF
What man anywhere has fought such
a battle by night and sea as I?
The audience applauds his story.
BEOWULF
But never have I heard such a tale
of bold adventure told of brave
Unferth. No songs of great deeds
are sung of Ecglaf’s noble son.
The hall falls silent as Beowulf turns to Unferth.
BEOWULF
Yet there is one story I know well
-- the Tale of Unferth Kin-Slayer,
killer of his own kinsman.
Unferth draws his sword and lunges at Beowulf. Beowulf catches
Unferth’s sword hand in his own and squeezes. Unferth screams.
BEOWULF
I tell you truly, Unferth MarPeace, never would Grendel have
done such harm against this house,
nor committed such crimes against
your King, had your battle-spirit
been half as sharp as your words.
HROTHGAR
Enough. Let him go.
30
Beowulf releases Unferth. The sword CLATTERS to the stone floor
as Unferth crumples to his knees, cradling a shattered hand.
HROTHGAR
Ulrik’s death was accidental.
Unferth’s arrow went astray while
hunting, no more.
Hrothgar comes forward to stand protectively over Unferth.
HROTHGAR
But his own father could not
avenge the death of one son upon
the other as law demands, so I
took Unferth in. He has been as a
son to me since that day.
Hrethric and Hrothmund scowl at Unferth, who fawns at Hrothgar’s
feet, glaring darkly back at them. Beowulf gazes at Unferth.
BEOWULF
It was dark that day. The clouds
were heavy with the scent of rain,
the wind was stiff.
Unferth’s eyes go wide, and he cowers behind Hrothgar’s legs.
BEOWULF
A shot could easily go astray in
such a breeze. Miss its target.
Comprehension begins to dawn on Hrothgar’s face.
HROTHGAR
I called an end to the hunt.
EXT. OPEN MEADOW - DAY - FLASHBACK
Several dozen mounted men are out hunting, bows at the ready.
ECGTHEOW is there, with YOUNG BEOWULF on a horse beside him.
HROTHGAR (VO)
We were heading home.
A light rain starts to fall. Hrothgar, in the lead, signals for
the men to head home. They turn and start across the meadow.
YOUNG UNFERTH, 15, is poked at playfully by older brother ULRIK
as they ride along. Unferth isn’t amused.
31
BEOWULF (VO)
Ulrik had been teasing you. Pushed
you into trees as you rode, made
you miss your mark.
Young Beowulf watches from the rear as Young Unferth take aim on
a stag. Just as the shot is loosed Ulrik nudges Unferth’s horse
and the arrow flies wide. Everyone laughs at Unferth, who fumes,
protesting. Ulrik plays the innocent, hands wide.
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf flicks Unferth’s sword up into his hand.
BEOWULF
I was there that day, though you
may not remember it.
FLASHBACK - AT THE HUNT
Young Beowulf can just see from behind his father as Unferth, at
the back of the pack, takes aim on a doe off to one side while
the other hunters ride on ahead. Ulrik, just ahead of Unferth,
hears the CREAK of Unferth’s bow and turns to look.
BEOWULF (VO)
I was there the day you killed
your own brother when you thought
no one else could see.
Ulrik reaches out to nudge Unferth’s horse. Unferth’s eyes go
dark, and at the last second he shifts the bow. The arrow hits
Ulrik point-blank in the eye. Young Beowulf’s eyes go wide.
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf towers over the wide-eyed Unferth, sword in hand.
BEOWULF
The next day my father sent me
home to Geat-Land, for he could
not risk another feud. I never saw
my father again. Nor have I spoken
of that day to anyone, until now.
HROTHGAR
Is this true, Unferth?
Unferth gazes about, frantic, a cornered animal.
32
UNFERTH
(breaking down)
I... I didn’t mean to kill him! I
only meant to scare him! He was...
he was my brother.
BEOWULF
This night will Grendel learn of
valor. For I tell you truly, death
is better for any man than a
shameful life. Better it is to die
with honor, than live without it.
Wealtheow comes forward, bearing a golden chalice.
WEALTHEOW
Brave Beowulf, your words are as
tidings of peace at the end of
long wars. They fill my heart with
hope once more, where hope has not
dared dwell for long years.
HROTHGAR
Long indeed has been our sorrow.
How cares of the heart do burden
men and make us old before our
time!
WEALTHEOW
Few now are the husbands left to
sire our future kin. Few the
fathers, and few the sons.
Beowulf glances at the rag-tag assemblage of women and children.
WEALTHEOW
What remains are not cowardly men,
Beowulf, but prudent ones. For the
bravest men among us proved but
little struggle for the Dark
Death-Bringer.
HROTHGAR
No shield has proven strong
enough, no sword sharp enough, and
ten men's might will not so much
as slow the coming of the
Creature.
33
Wiglaf and Ottar exchange worried glances.
WEALTHEOW
Indeed, in our hour of most need
you have come, and to whatever end
your labors bring you, I salute
you as a Hero among Heroes. May
you deliver us from our Doom!
Wealtheow raises her chalice in salute and drinks.
BEOWULF
Here in Heorot I shall do such a
deed as will be worthy of a song,
else will I have lived my last day
of life upon this Earth.
HROTHGAR
Let us then rejoice, and have such
revels as would befit the death of
Thor himself. Soon night will
come, and with it come the fall of
either man or beast, and great
shall be that fall!
Unferth glowers darkly at Beowulf.
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER - DAY
Hæreth, dressed for bed, absently brushes her long red locks.
BOY’S VOICE (OS)
Go away!
Hæreth is startled out of her reverie as the door bursts open.
HEARDRED, 14, enters, followed close by a GUARD, who quickly
turns away upon seeing her. Heardred, the son of King Hygelac by
his first wife, is a spoiled rich kid with abandonment issues.
HEARDRED
Tell this guard to go away! He
follows me everywhere!
HÆRETH
He does so, because I have told
him to. It is for your protection.
34
HEARDRED
I can protect myself!
HÆRETH
Heardred, the King your father has
taken nearly all the men of our
clan to fight the Swedes. If we
are attacked while they are away,
you will likely be their target.
What will you do then?
HEARDRED
I will fight them, like a great
warrior would! Like Beowulf should
have done to save my mother.
HÆRETH
That would not be wise. Even
Beowulf could not defeat that army
alone, they were too many. And he
is much bigger than you.
HEARDRED
(indicating guard)
Then how can he protect me?
HÆRETH
He may not be able to. But this
man will give his life for you, if
he must. And there is great honor
in that.
The boy looks up at the grim warrior with new respect.
EXT. UPSALA COURTYARD – DAY
The Swedish cavalry, several hundred strong, prepare to ride.
Ongentheow approaches Weohstan, who stands alone nearby.
ONGENTHEOW
I have a special task for you,
Weohstan.
EXT. UPSALA HARBOR – DAY
Onela sails out of the harbor in a great warship, as the Swedish
cavalry storms out through the fortress gates beyond. With him
is his Danish wife YRSA, and a full crew complement of thirty.
35
INT. HEOROT – LATE DAY
A dim sun hangs low in the sky, casting shadows across the room.
The tables are a mess of bones, bread crusts, and spilled drink.
Hrolf and Eofor recount the serpent battle, their arms flailing
wildly as the crowd listens intently, wide-eyed with wonder.
They gasp as Svein suddenly whips out the two serpent fangs.
Ottar does magic tricks for the children, but one girl is not
fooled, finding the carved ogre in his sleeve. He shrugs
sheepishly and tussles her hair. Hondscio watches wistfully.
Wiglaf throws daggers at a shield with Hrethric and Hrothmund as
Beowulf, Wulfgar and Æschere look on.
HRETHRIC
So you’re a Swede then?
WIGLAF
Half-Swede, actually. My father
Weohstan was Ecgtheow’s brother.
ÆSCHERE
Nice throw. Then you’re Beowulf’s
cousin?
BEOWULF
Indeed he is!
WIGLAF
But my mother Sigrid was sister to
King Ongentheow the Swede, so I am
also cousin to Onela...
HROTHMUND
(about to throw)
...who is married to Freawaru, our
sister! Small world!
HRETHRIC
Welcome to Denmark, cousin!
WULFGAR
But aren’t the Geats feuding with
the Swedes?
WIGLAF
Unfortunately, yes.
36
YRMENLAF
That complicates matters.
WIGLAF
You could say that. My father had
taken service with Ongentheow
before the feud began. He is now
bound by oath to follow the
Swedish King. But I have sworn
allegiance to Beowulf.
Everyone can see this is trouble waiting to happen.
EXT. SWEDISH LOWLANDS - LATE DAY
The Swedes ride hard, skirting a dark forest to the north. A
small band breaks off, veering away south, led by Weohstan.
INT. HEOROT - IN A DARKENED CORNER - LATE DAY
Unferth nurses his bound hand. Hrothulf sits down beside him.
HROTHULF
(indicating Beowulf)
What do we do about him?
UNFERTH
Let Grendel take care of it.
Hrothulf glances in the direction of Hrethric and Hrothmund.
HROTHULF
And when do we take care of them?
UNFERTH
Soon enough.
HROTHULF
Not soon enough for my liking.
As the sun sets, the rosy dusk turns the hall a bloody red.
EXT. DANISH MOORLANDS - DUSK
Out in the fens a DARK FIGURE cowers in the encroaching shadows,
cringing at the distant sounds of MUSIC AND MERRIMENT.
RED EYES BURN with hatred. The figure moves off across the
twilit mere -- towards the hall.
37
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – DUSK
The Geat army is encamped in a meadow at the edge of Ravenswood.
Hundreds of tents are set up around a large central pavilion
guarded by a dozen armed warriors.
Hygelac approaches the pavilion, followed by Haldar and Wonred.
INT. HYGELAC’S PAVILION – DUSK
QUEEN ELAN, wife of King Ongentheow, is tied to the central post
of the tent. Her blond hair is disheveled, her clothing torn.
Hygelac looks her over lustily as she glares defiantly.
HYGELAC
Were you not the wife of my sworn
enemy I might find your company...
pleasing.
ELAN
I am sorry I cannot return the
compliment.
HYGELAC
As it stands, I regret that I
cannot be so accommodating, since
I only intend to kill you as soon
as Ongentheow arrives, which he
will. And do you know why?
ELAN
Why my husband will come for me,
or why you intend to kill me when
he does?
HYGELAC
Both.
ELAN
Because you’re a pathetic weakling
with hostility issues and an overinflated sense of your own
importance?
HYGELAC
Wrong answer!
ELAN
Then I give up. Why?
38
HYGELAC
Because your husband raped and
killed my wife, and I intend to
return the favor. And then some.
Elan hesitates at this.
HYGELAC
You did not know of Ongentheow’s
little encounter with my former
Queen, mother to my only son?
ELAN
I knew Queen Frida had died during
the recent battle, and for that I
am sorry. But I did not know-HYGELAC
Well, he did. Personally, and
apparently with great pleasure and
vigor. Or so I am informed by his
messengers.
Elan looks him straight in the eye.
ELAN
Then you must do as honor demands.
It is Hygelac’s turn now to hesitate.
INT. HEOROT - DUSK
As the hall darkens, the fire is stoked and fresh torches lit.
Heavy wooden shutters are closed and barred. Unferth approaches
the King, bending close to speak in his ear.
UNFERTH
My Lord, we must leave the hall.
Death's servant will soon appear.
Leave the Geats for Grendel's
feast tonight.
Hrothgar considers this with distaste, eyeing Unferth sidelong.
As Hrothgar stands, Wulfgar signals for silence.
WULFGAR
The time has come for us to take
our leave and our night's repose.
39
HROTHGAR
Guard well this hall, good men of
Geat-Land. Free us of our curse
and tomorrow your ship will sail
burdened but with gold!
BEOWULF
This will I do, if I am able.
WEALTHEOW
For your deeds, our thanks. May
Odin bless you and be with you
this night.
HROTHGAR
Fare you well!
The King and Queen depart, followed quickly by the other Danes.
Æschere places a fisted hand to his breast in salute as he goes.
Hrethric and Hrothmund approach Wiglaf. Hrethric holds out a
silver Thor’s Hammer on a strand of braided leather.
HRETHRIC
Take this talisman, that it may
protect you in battle.
HROTHMUND
The Hammer of Thor is said to
bestow great strength upon its
bearer. May it do so for you.
WIGLAF
Many thanks, my good friends.
Wiglaf places it around his neck as they depart.
Wulfgar pauses momentarily in the doorway, eyeing the Geats
poignantly, then pulls the doors shut with an ECHOING THUD.
Hondscio secures the doors, checking the reinforcements.
BEOWULF
Worry not, Hondscio. Neither bolt
nor bar will keep our feasting
friend from Hrothgar’s hall this
night.
He turns to address his men.
40
BEOWULF
We came to do battle with the
beast, and battle we shall have!
For what will it serve us if the
Shadow-Stalker stays outside while
we remain in here?
HONDSCIO
It might keep us alive.
BEOWULF
Unbar the door. The Danes need not
repair it yet again. We will
welcome the fiend with open arms!
OTTAR
Aye, let him come! We’ll teach the
beastie to dance a merry jig.
The men laugh at this -- all but Hondscio.
BEOWULF
Put yourselves at ease, men! This
night will we forge our Fame. And
live or die, never after shall any
man speak of us with shame!
The Geats give a rousing war-cry, uniting in camaraderie.
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER - DUSK
Hæreth stands at the open window, watching the sunset fade. A
WOLF HOWLS in the distance as the last light of day refracts
briefly through the tear on Hæreth’s cheek -- and is gone.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Furs are laid on table and bench, the men preparing for the
night, weapons at their side. This is that moment...
SVEIN lays out an array of weaponry, checking each carefully.
WIGLAF holds Thor’s Hammer, eyes closed.
HROLF and EOFOR sprinkle herbs from a small pouch onto the fire,
letting the smoke wash over them.
OTTAR wriggles around atop a table, but soon discovers a joint
of meat beneath his blanket. He smiles and munches away happily.
41
Beowulf gazes out a narrow window at the darkened valley,
fingering Hæreth’s pendant absently. Hondscio approaches.
HONDSCIO
I will take first watch.
BEOWULF
Nay, Hondscio, I'll not sleep
tonight. Go to your rest. You will
be awakened soon enough.
Beowulf unclasps his sword-belt and holds it out to Hondscio.
BEOWULF
Hold for me my father’s sword.
Keep it close till I have need of
it again.
HONDSCIO
Aye, no, my Lord! Do not unarm
yourself!
BEOWULF
This fight is not for swords and
shields, Hondscio. Only Odin can
save me now.
The men watch furtively, concerned. But already Ottar is fast
asleep, snoring loudly, food in hand. Hondscio lowers his voice.
HONDSCIO
So be it! But I shall wield this
weapon if you will not. You may no
longer care for life, but I still
do.
BEOWULF
Only fame is lasting, Hondscio.
Only the honor of your name and
the glory of your song will remain
when you have gone. All else is
fleeting and will fail you in the
end.
HONDSCIO
I will not fail you. You are my
friend, and I will defend your
life with my own if I must.
42
Beowulf sighs and gazes out the window into the deepening night.
HONDSCIO
I shall sleep nearest the door,
and you will have this sword
between yourself and death whether
you wish it so or no.
As Hondscio walks away, Beowulf’s eyes betray his true feelings.
We follow his gaze out the window, where-EXT. DANISH MOORS – NIGHT
A blood-red moon rises. Tendrils of mist weave among the rock
and heather, forming ghostly figures that dance by starlight.
One of these is a YOUNG HÆRETH, whose wispy silhouette swirls
around a transparent Beowulf in an intimate embrace.
YOUNG HÆRETH (VO)
I will love you always and
forever.
A BLACK FIGURE gradually solidifies in the darkness, a shadow
among shadows, emerging from the mist, rending the figures into
tattered shreds. RED EYES BURN through the darkness.
EXT. GÖTABORG FORTRESS GATES - NIGHT
The fortress lies still and silent beneath the hovering moon.
TWO GUARDS stand post at the gates.
GEAT GUARD #1
‘Tis deadly quiet out tonight.
GEAT GUARD #2
Not a night owl stirring.
Just then an OWL HOOTS in the distance. The guards flinch and
glance warily at one another, then laugh at their apprehension.
GEAT GUARD #1
You spoke too soon!
GEAT GUARD #2
‘Tis but twilight shadows. What
have we to fear? Every enemy is
away at war.
They settle back for a long night’s watch.
43
EXT. HEOROT VALLEY – NIGHT – GRENDEL’S POV
Moonlight shimmers over the golden hall. We move slowly through
the silent village, drawing ever closer. GRENDEL'S SHADOW rises
up the stone steps, coming to rest at last on the oaken doors.
EXT. GÖTABORG FORTRESS GATES - NIGHT
The two Guards doze at their posts. A HORSE WHINNIES somewhere
nearby. A SHADOW FALLS over each of them.
INT. HEOROT – NIGHT
Beowulf sits with eyes closed, Hæreth’s brooch held to his lips.
The Raven sits on the casement nearby.
INT. BEOWULF’S HOUSE – NIGHT - FLASHBACK
A DOOR CRASHES OPEN and Young Beowulf and Young Hondscio burst
through. They come to a dead stop. Before them a large group are
gathered. In their midst Beowulf’s mother HÆLENA sits crying.
King Hygelac stands beside her, with his first wife QUEEN FRIDA,
and a 2-year-old Heardred. Also present are Weohstan with his
Swedish wife SIGNY and young son Wiglaf, as well as Haldar and
his wife with their two children, Hæreth and Erik.
YOUNG BEOWULF
Uncle! Mother, what’s wrong?
His mother looks up at him, but can’t manage the words. Beowulf
glances around the room, his gaze coming to rest on Hæreth, her
eyes welling with compassion.
HYGELAC
Beowulf, sit down.
YOUNG BEOWULF
What? What did I do?
Hygelac hands Beowulf his father’s sword.
HYGELAC
Your father is dead.
Beowulf stares blankly at the weapon in his hand.
HYGELAC
He is in Valhalla now. You will
see him again...
44
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf opens his eyes slowly and turns to face the doorway.
HYGELAC (VO)
...if you die well.
The RAVEN CRIES OUT as the doors CRASH OPEN. Grendel HOWLS in
the doorway as the Geats start awake, weapons drawn instantly.
SVEIN
Attack, men! Attack!
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – NIGHT
The Swedish cavalry charges into the Geat encampment, setting
tents alight and slaying everything in sight.
HYGELAC
Swedes! The Swedes are upon us!
All is chaos as the Swedes wreak havoc on the overwhelmed Geats.
WOLVES HOWL in the night.
INT. HEOROT – NIGHT
Hondscio rolls aside just as Grendel attacks, smashing the table
where he lay. In a single fluid motion Hondscio draws Beowulf’s
sword and swings with all he’s got-THE BLADE STOPS DEAD, gripped in Grendel's hairy paw. Hondscio
stares wide-eyed as the blade is torn from his hand and tossed
aside. The OGRE SCREAMS, spewing drool, fangs and claws bared.
Eofor’s sword CLATTERS to the floor as he and Hrolf back away.
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW - NIGHT
WAR-HORNS BLARE amidst the SCREAMS OF DYING MEN. The Geats fight
bravely, but are no match for the mounted Swedish cavalry.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
A barrage of arrows bounce off Grendel’s leathery hide. The ogre
turns to face the new irritant, and sees Beowulf standing there.
Grendel lifts Hondscio by the head, claws griped around his
skull. Hondscio’s mouth moves, but only blood comes out.
Beowulf screams and lunges, smashing the ogre hard against the
wall. CRACKING BONE is heard. Grendel ROARS with pain.
45
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Grendel’s WAIL echoes through the mist-shrouded vale.
INT. HROTHGAR'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
Hrothgar and Wealtheow start awake at the sound. They draw the
fur covers closer and shiver, eyeing the barred door nervously.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Beowulf sails through the air, crashing down onto a table where
Ottar lies still sleeping soundly, curled up like a baby. Ottar
yawns and opens his eyes slowly, seeing Beowulf.
OTTAR
Good morning.
His eyes suddenly go wide as-The ogre picks up a bench and hammers it down. Beowulf and Ottar
roll aside as table and bench shatter into splinters.
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
The door to Hæreth’s chamber CRASHES OPEN and a hoard of Swedish
warriors swarm into the room, blades drawn. Heardred’s bodyguard
lies dead in the hallway. Hæreth gasps as she sees their leader.
HÆRETH
Weohstan!
WEOHSTAN
Greetings, my Lady. Good it is to
see you again.
Hæreth backs away, clutching Heardred, but he breaks free and
steps forward, wielding a small dagger.
WEOHSTAN
Back away, lad, or you’ll get
yourself hurt. My business is with
the Queen.
HEARDRED
I am heir to the throne. Any
business you have here is with me!
WEOHSTAN
Very brave, lad. Now move aside.
46
HÆRETH
Do as he says, Heardred! You must
live to become King.
WEOHSTAN
Listen to your mummy, boy!
The Swedes push Heardred roughly aside and drag Hæreth away.
HEARDRED
She’s not my mother!
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Svein attacks with a flurry of blows, searching for a weakness,
but Grendel swats him aside, sending him crashing into a pillar,
which CRACKS and buckles under the weight.
Ottar swings a huge axe, hitting Grendel square in
knocking the creature back. The ogre turns on him,
and grips him in a single paw, lifting him off his
flails wildly as Grendel’s gaping mouth comes ever
the chest,
spewing fury,
feet. Ottar
closer.
Something hits Grendel in the eye. The ogre turns to see Wiglaf
just as a second mutton-bone flies, hitting Grendel on the nose.
The ogre shakes his head and drops Ottar, advancing on Wiglaf.
Beowulf steps into view, just as his father had years before.
Grendel ROARS and lunges. Beowulf deftly sidesteps, tripping
Grendel up and slamming both fists against the ogre's head as it
passes. The beast sprawls across the stone floor, rolling into
the fire-pit. The ogre HOWLS with rage, engulfed in flames.
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – NIGHT
Tents blaze in a frenzy of fire, illuminating a scene of mass
carnage. The Swedish warhorses surround Hygelac’s tent.
Hygelac stands before the pavilion entrance, Queen Elan close
behind, as Ongentheow emerges from the smoky haze astride his
warhorse. He glares down at Hygelac, pointing his sword.
ONGENTHEOW
I will have my Queen!
HYGELAC
You can have her when I see my
dead wife again.
47
ONGENTHEOW
It would be my pleasure.
Ongentheow charges. SWORDS CLASH in a shower of sparks, sending
them reeling to the ground. They’re on their feet in an instant.
Elan looks on nervously as the kings circle one another warily.
ONGENTHEOW
So you would exchange my Queen for
your own, eh?
HYGELAC
She would come with me of her own
free will.
ONGENTHEOW
(glancing at Elan)
Aye, is that so now?
ELAN
It is, if it is also true that you
raped Queen Frida before you
killed her.
ONGENTHEOW
She was half dead already when I
got to her.
Hygelac attacks in a fury of rage, beating Ongentheow back
mercilessly. But the Swede has other plans.
ONGENTHEOW
Kill her!
Ongentheow’s men nock arrows and fire at the Queen -- but Wonred
intercepts with his shield, taking an arrow in the arm as well.
ONGENTHEOW
Burn it!
The Swedes close in. Hygelac leaps on Ongentheow’s charger and
rides to Elan’s rescue, dragging her up as he passes.
HYGELAC
Retreat! Make for Ravenswood!
BLARING WAR-HORNS sound the retreat as the Geats flee into the
surrounding forest, leaving a blazing encampment behind.
48
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Grendel rises in the midst of the fire-pit, engulfed in flames.
The beast HOWLS and steps out of the fire, emerging unscathed.
Beowulf stands his ground as the others back away.
HROLF
Demon of Hel!
Grendel ROARS and swings a great hairy arm. Beowulf ducks and
punches Grendel hard in the face. Grendel swings the other arm.
Beowulf ducks again, then leaps onto Grendel’s exposed back.
Beowulf wrenches one of Grendel’s arms backwards with all his
might, wrapping a leg around the ogre’s other arm for leverage.
The ogre ROARS and lurches about madly, trying to dislodge its
assailant, slamming Beowulf into walls and posts.
Exerting every ounce of his strength, Beowulf jerks back hard.
The beast YOWLS with pain as sinews SNAP and flesh rips open at
its shoulder. A loud CRACK is heard as Beowulf wrenches the arm
from its socket. The manic creature lurches wildly about the
hall, spewing BLACK BLOOD and SCREAMING in agony.
EXT. DANISH HARBOR - NIGHT
GRENDEL’S WAIL ECHOES through the valley and down to the harbor,
where the men left to guard Beowulf’s ship cringe at the sound.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Spinning around, Grendel comes face to face with Beowulf,
wielding the SEVERED LIMB like a club. Beowulf swings with full
force, sending the ogre flailing against a stone wall.
The Geats close in as Grendel cowers in a corner, glancing about
frantically. Everywhere he turns is the face of a grim warrior,
wielding sword or spear. The beast whimpers like a wounded pup.
BEOWULF
Savor well the last moments of
your wretched life, for this night
have you drunk your last draught
of warrior's blood.
In desperation, Grendel rushes straight at the warriors,
breaking through their circle. The ogre crashes through the
shattered doorway and flees, WAILING, into the night.
49
EXT. HEOROT MOORLANDS - NIGHT
Grendel’s pained WAIL recedes into the moonlit darkness.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Beowulf rushes to Hondscio’s side. Hondscio's face is a mass of
bloody gashes, and blood oozes from the corners of his eyes. He
smiles weakly as Beowulf cradles his head in his arms.
HONDSCIO
You...live.
BEOWULF
Aye, though I had not thought to.
HONDSCIO
I die, though I had not....
Hondscio chokes and coughs up blood.
BEOWULF
I am sorry, Hondscio. I was wrong.
HONDSCIO
Again.
Hondscio grabs Beowulf’s cloak with a bloody hand.
HONDSCIO
Go home. She needs you.
BEOWULF
I will go.
Hondscio dies. Tears streak Beowulf’s cheeks.
EXT. GEATLAND COUNTRYSIDE – NIGHT
Weohstan’s men ride hard back the way they came, bearing a tied
and mounted Queen Hæreth with them.
EXT. HEOROT - DAY
The rising sun breaks in shafts through a thick morning fog as
Hrothgar and his men approach the hall. The doors hang askew and
the steps are splashed with blood.
Unferth sneers with satisfaction as Hrothgar steps slowly over
the threshold--
50
INT. HEOROT – DAY
As the Danes warily enter Heorot, the aftermath of battle is
revealed: blood-spattered walls and smashed benches, armor
scattered and weapons broken. Bodies lie throughout the room.
Beowulf lies face down on a tabletop in the center of the hall,
his bare arms caked with dried blood.
HROTHGAR
Alas! There lies all hope broken.
In this hour are we truly lost,
for such a man shall never tread
this earth again. Farewell, fair
Beowulf! Farewell, fair Denmark!
Beowulf stirs and stretches sore muscles, groaning painfully.
The Danes cry out with joy and surprise, waking the other Geats.
ÆSCHERE
Beyond all hope!
YRMENLAF
Odin be praised!
They rush forward to help Beowulf up, hugging and slapping him
on the back with joy. He cringes with pain.
BEOWULF
Oy! Easy now. I’ve been beat on
enough for one day!
Beowulf laughs, seeing Unferth scowling from behind.
BEOWULF
Ah, what’s wrong, Unferth? Do you
miss your friend Grendel? Do not
be sad. Part of him remained
behind for you to see!
Beowulf points up to where Grendel’s arm dangles from a beam.
HROTHGAR
North and south, across and
between the two seas, no other man
was ever more worthy of a King's
high praise! Your name shall echo
through every land unto the
world’s end.
51
WULFGAR
All hail Beowulf! Hero of heroes!
Mightiest of men!
BEOWULF
For this honor much thanks, my
Lord.
HROTHGAR
The honor is yours alone, and the
thanks ours to give.
BEOWULF
Alas, I fear the beast may yet
live, for it fled into the night
through lands unknown to me. In
the dark I dared not pursue.
HROTHGAR
Then we must follow the trail now
that light of day has come.
ÆSCHERE
And I think I know just the man!
All eyes turn to Unferth, who is attempting to slink away.
Æschere grabs him by the nape of the neck and drags him back.
UNFERTH
My Lord, let Beowulf finish this
deed he has begun! For Grendel is
certain now to seek revenge.
BEOWULF
Gladly would I go, but for my
friend who lies here at his final
rest.
Hrothgar glances quickly about, tallying men.
HROTHGAR
Nay, not valiant Hondscio! Not he?
BEOWULF
Sadly so, my lord. He gave his
life that we might keep our own, a
nobler deed than mine by far.
52
HROTHGAR
Bring horses and a cart! Prepare a
tomb on Hero’s Hill!
Several men exit. Hrothgar turns to Unferth.
HROTHGAR
Take two men. Follow the ogre’s
trail. Return with news if you
can, or do not return at all.
Either way we will know the truth!
UNFERTH
Yes, my Lord.
ÆSCHERE
I will go.
All eyes turn to Æschere.
ÆSCHERE
Blessed by the gods Beowulf may
be, but he has outshone the Danes
this day for courage. For this I
must make amends. I will go.
HROTHULF
And I.
All eyes now turn to Hrothulf standing at the rear.
HROTHGAR
Nay, not you, my brother’s son.
The task is too perilous for you.
HROTHULF
The creature has but one good arm!
How perilous could it be?
HROTHGAR
I cannot let you go. I have sworn
an oath to protect you, and to
this I am bound.
HROTHULF
For how long? How long must I hide
within walls? How long will you
shelter me from the world outside?
53
HROTHGAR
For as long I am able.
Hrothulf stifles a smoldering anger.
HROTHGAR
Let the hall be cleansed! Tonight
the dead shall sleep in graves of
gold!
EXT. RAVENSWOOD – DAY
The remnants of Hygelac’s bedraggled army are gathered in a
small clearing in a dark, thick forest.
HYGELAC
How many remain, Haldar?
HALDAR
Half, perhaps. Perhaps not even
that. Some four hundred are here.
Fully two thirds bear wounds which
will hinder their efforts. Many of
those will not fight again.
HYGELAC
What supplies have we left?
WONRED
Little, my Lord. Two days’ rations
at best. Three if those with fatal
wounds do not eat.
HYGELAC
We’re backed up against the
Trollhight. The Swedes outnumber
us three to one at best guess.
Probably four. Suggestions?
Wonred and Haldar exchange furtive glances.
HALDAR
Give them what they want. Send the
Queen back.
HYGELAC
No! I will not yield! I will not
crawl home, cowering like some
whimpering whelp!
54
HALDAR
Yes, Lord.
WONRED
Of course, my Lord. Never.
ELAN
Then I will.
All eyes turn to the Queen, disheveled but undaunted.
ELAN
I will return. It is where I
belong. I will say I escaped.
HYGELAC
That will solve nothing.
ELAN
My presence here now serves
nothing. Ongentheow has come. Does
that not please you?
(beat)
No. You have not yet got your
vengeance, have you?
HALDAR
Ongentheow will kill you if you
return.
ELAN
That I am willing to risk.
WONRED
He will lay the blame on us, and
the war will continue either way.
ELAN
Is that not what you wanted?
HYGELAC
I want revenge for Frida’s death!
ELAN
Then kill me now and have done
with it!
Hygelac’s blade flashes from its scabbard.
55
HYGELAC
He will not have you!
ELAN
Hygelac, one Queen is enough to
rule a country.
HYGELAC
Do not tell me how to rule my
kingdom! I will decide when and
with whom I will share my throne!
ELAN
I will not be a pawn, Hygelac!
Neither yours, nor Ongentheow’s.
Hygelac shakes his blade at her.
HYGELAC
You will do as I command you to
do! You will rule if I command you
to rule. You will die if I command
you to die! And you will love me
if I command you to love me!
She rushes to embrace him with a firm, passionate kiss. A drop
of blood slowly trickles from the corner of her mouth.
Wonred and Haldar stand frozen, staring at the bloody blade
emerging from Elan’s back as she crumples to the ground.
WONRED
Shite.
HALDAR
We’re fucked.
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – DAY
Only Hygelac’s pavilion remains standing amid the smoldering
aftermath of battle. Wolves and crows feast on the fallen Geats.
Ongentheow surveys the scene with Othere and Oslaf.
OTHERE
The rugged terrain will slow us
down and even the odds somewhat,
perhaps even in their favor, as
they know better than we the lay
of this land.
56
OSLAF
Our horses will be useless up
there.
ONGENTHEOW
Do not count them out yet. They
have grown accustomed to hard
rides over uneven ground.
OSLAF
We cannot pursue the Geats into
the Trollhight!
Weohstan and his men ride in bearing the bound Queen Hæreth.
ONGENTHEOW
That will not be necessary.
EXT. DANISH MOORS - DAY
UNFERTH, ÆSCHERE, and YRMENLAF ride warily through bleak
moorlands, following a blood-spattered trail up into an ever
more desolate landscape. They glance about nervously as they
pass a large boulder smeared with a bloody paw print.
EXT. HERO’S HILL - DAY
On the grassy knoll overlooking Heorot, Hrolf and Eofor direct
the construction of Hondscio’s tomb. A MENHIR is slowly lifted
into place with ropes and wedges and a great deal of manpower.
The Raven watches the proceedings from atop a nearby stone, then
suddenly flits from its perch and sweeps down the hill into-EXT. HEOROT VILLAGE SQUARE - DAY
Travelers arrive from far and wide to witness a legend. A market
has been set up around the square, bustling with activity and
awash with festive colors. The Raven lands atop the hall, which
is undergoing repairs.
Among the new arrivals is 18-year-old FREAWARU, several months
into her first pregnancy, and her husband PRINCE INGELD, 20.
They draw up before the great hall in an ornately carved wagon.
Ingeld dismounts, leaving a frowning Freawaru stranded in the
wagon. Wulfgar, coming forward, sees this and lifts Freawaru
down. The two embrace, happily reunited.
57
WULFGAR
Greetings, Freawaru, welcome home
once more! And you Lord Ingeld.
Please forgive this cluttered
chaos. We are ill prepared for
your arrival.
Ingeld sees Grendel’s arm, now mounted upon the entryway gable.
INGELD
Indeed, it is for this sight that
we have come. It is miraculous.
FREAWARU
We have heard the tale twice told
by now, the song fair flies
throughout the land!
A WORKER emerges from the hall, bearing a jug towards a nearby
stall where a sign reads: “BLOOD OF GRENDEL, 5 MARKS GOLD.”
WULFGAR
I fear the hall is not yet fit to
receive your Ladyship. I shall
call your father forth.
FREAWARU
Thank you, Wulfgar. It warms my
heart to see you again.
Wulfgar smiles sadly and turns away. Freawaru’s gaze follows him
as he enters the hall. Ingeld watches the exchange coldly.
AT THE ENTRYWAY Beowulf and his men help rebuild the doors.
Svein, one arm bound, instructs Wiglaf as he fashions new iron
hinges on a makeshift forge. Ottar carves new wooden beams as
Beowulf, shirtless and glistening with sweat, single-handedly
hefts a finished timber into place.
FREAWARU
Surely this must be him. He is the
very shape of Thor himself!
Hrothgar and Wealtheow emerge from the hall, ecstatic to see
their daughter, and she them. They embrace joyously.
HROTHGAR
Dear daughter! Welcome home!
58
FREAWARU
Glad we were to hear these joyful
tidings. Praise the gods and bless
this happy day!
WEALTHEOW
Happy is this day indeed! How long
are you away?
FREAWARU
Some five moons more.
HROTHGAR
Much this pleases me. Now might
our clan be made strong again!
FREAWARU
Is this the man?
HROTHGAR
Aye, and such a man as I have
never seen before.
The implied criticism is not lost on Ingeld.
HROTHGAR
Good Beowulf, attend!
Beowulf strides towards them, sun glinting off bulging muscles.
WEALTHEOW
Give greeting, good Beowulf, to
this our youngest child, Freawaru,
four month married to Ingeld, Lord
of Heathobards.
BEOWULF
Well met and welcome, Lady.
FREAWARU
Glad am I to come now that I may.
For this deed we are ever in your
debt.
INGELD
Indeed, it is quite a tale that we
have heard. Truly a marvel to be
wondered at.
59
Beowulf catches the veiled cynicism.
BEOWULF
And you, Lord Ingeld, welcome. A
Gothic clan, aren’t you?
INGELD
Ostro-Goths, actually, from just
south across the sea.
BEOWULF
Fierce fighters they say, and
greatly feared.
WULFGAR
More arrivals, My Lord!
They all turn. Beowulf stops dead as he sees-INTERCUT – THE BATTLE OF SORROW HILL
A succession of fleeting images: YOUNG ONELA SCREAMS into
camera. A SWORD slashes down. BLOOD SPLATTERS everywhere.
ONGENTHEOW LAUGHS maniacally. ARROWS slam into flesh and steel.
SWORDS CLASH like thunder as LIGHTNING FLASHES in a stormy sky.
EXT. GÖTABORG HARBOR BLUFF - DUSK - FLASHBACK
YOUNG BEOWULF and YOUNG HÆRETH sit on the bluff overlooking the
sea, watching the sun set beneath a stormy sky. The harbor is
bustling with activity as ships load and unload their cargo.
Hæreth is coy and shy, a burgeoning beauty. She gazes at Beowulf
with compassion and yearning, struggling for something to say.
The Raven watches from atop a menhir on Sorrow Hill behind them.
YOUNG HÆRETH
I am sorry about your father,
Beowulf.
YOUNG BEOWULF
He died well. I will see him again
one day...if I die well.
DOWN IN THE HARBOR
A fleet of newly-arrived Swedish merchant ships suddenly let
loose a volley of FLAMING ARROWS, setting the Geat ships ablaze.
60
UP IN THE WATCHTOWERS
The Harbor-Guards WAIL on their war-horns. Haldar cries out from
his post in the watchtower.
HALDAR
To arms! The enemy is upon us!
SIGNAL FIRES leap up atop the watch-towers as the WAR CRY is
raised. Armed Geat warriors appear from everywhere at once.
DOWN IN THE HARBOR
Hundreds of Swedes leap ashore as their ships ram the beach,
swords flashing reflected fire. The attack is fast, furious, and
brutal. The unprepared Geats fall like sheaves of wheat.
UP ON THE BLUFF
THE RAVEN CAWS and flits from its perch. Beowulf turns to see a
hoard of Swedes swarming over Sorrow Hill, emerging from the
forest beyond. At the fore is 40-year-old ONGENTHEOW, flanked by
ONELA and OTHERE, now 25 and 27. No scars yet mar their faces.
YOUNG BEOWULF
Swedes.
Hæreth flees, but turns to see Beowulf still standing there.
YOUNG HÆRETH
Run, Beowulf! Run!
But he doesn’t move. She rushes back to him as all around Geat
warriors rush out to fight off the invading Swedes.
YOUNG HÆRETH
Damn it, Beowulf, come on! We’ve
got to get out of here!
Ongentheow closes in, his sons close behind. Beowulf fumbles
with his father’s sword, unfamiliar with the new weapon. The
Swedes laugh at the bumbling boy before them. Beowulf swings
wildly, but Ongentheow easily blocks the blow. Then another.
ONGENTHEOW
Is that the best you've got to
offer? Go on, Geat. Do your worst!
He swings and Ongentheow locks blades with him, eye to eye.
61
YOUNG BEOWULF
Why? Why attack us!?
ONGENTHEOW
Did your father teach you nothing?
The strong survive, boy. The weak
perish. That is what your father
said to me when he killed my
father. At least he knew how to
use a sword.
Beowulf bristles at the insult. Ongentheow sees Hæreth behind
him for the first time. He steps back, releasing Beowulf.
ONGENTHEOW
So this is your girlfriend, eh?
You could do better. Show him how
to use a sword, boys!
Othere and Onela close in on Beowulf, swords drawn, as
Ongentheow moves menacingly towards a retreating Hæreth. She
whips out a dagger and slices his cheek. He backhands her.
ONGENTHEOW
You’ll pay for that, wench.
But her eyes are on Beowulf as Onela and Othere force him back
with a fierce onslaught. It is all he can do to stay alive.
YOUNG SVEIN steps in to help fight off Othere.
ONGENTHEOW
What do you see in that big oaf
anyway? Look at him! He’ll never
be anything but a pig farmer.
HÆRETH
He’s a better man than you’ll ever
be.
ONGENTHEOW
In what possible way?
HÆRETH
In every way that matters.
ONGENTHEOW
Not for long.
Beowulf’s eyes go wide as he reaches the cliff's edge.
62
ONELA
Nowhere to go from here but down.
Onela swings, flicking Beowulf’s sword from his hand. The blade
plummets over the edge-DOWN IN THE HARBOR
The shore is awash in the scarlet glow of fire, blood, and a
burning sunset as a pitched battle rages across the strand.
YOUNG OTTAR, fighting a Swede, looks up in surprise as Beowulf’s
sword stabs into the sand at his feet. The Swede looks up too.
UP ON THE BLUFF
Onela’s blade rises, reflecting RED FIRE, as-The Raven sweeps in, attacking. Onela screams as PARALLEL LINES
OF RED explode on his face. The Raven's claws take an eye with
them as it soars away, CAWING.
BACK TO PRESENT
Onela’s scarred face glares at Beowulf. YRSA stands by his side,
eyes wide. Beowulf’s sword is at Onela’s throat. Swords flash
all around as the Geats draw their weapons.
ONELA
I see you’ve finally learned to
use that thing.
HROTHGAR
(intervening)
Let all anger here be set aside,
for this night we celebrate the
passing of long winter and the
coming of spring once more into
this land. Let there be no more
hatred in this hall.
Beowulf slowly lowers his sword. His men follow suit.
ONELA
Far have you come in this world
since last we met.
BEOWULF
Far yet have I to go.
63
ONELA
Then it is a good thing I didn’t
kill you when I had the chance!
HROTHULF (OS)
Mother!
Yrsa smiles sadly as Hrothulf rushes up to embrace her.
HROTHULF
Have you come to stay awhile?
YRSA
As long as I may.
Hrothgar kisses her on the cheek.
HROTHGAR
Welcome sister.
(to Geats)
May I present Yrsa, my only
sister, mother to Hrothulf.
Beowulf bows as his men try to work out the lineage.
HROTHGAR
But come! Surely you are hungry,
and it is time we took our supper.
INT. ONGENTHEOW’S TENT (HYGELAC’S PAVILION) – DAY
Hæreth is now the bound captive, as Elan was before.
ONGENTHEOW
Well, well, well. Isn’t this a
pretty sight? How the mighty have
fallen, eh, my Queen?
She grits her teeth and faces him bravely as he leans in close.
ONGENTHEOW
Oh yes, my Queen, for my queen you
shall be. You see, I have recently
lost my former consort. And as you
are soon to lose yours, it seems
somehow...fitting. After all, your
kingdom will now be a part of my
kingdom, so in truth it’s quite a
generous offer, wouldn’t you say?
64
HÆRETH
I will never be yours! Not in a
thousand years. Not if you offered
me all the world to rule.
ONGENTHEOW
Perhaps not willingly, at first.
But you shall come around. Women
always do.
HÆRETH
You may have me, but you will
never have my heart.
ONGENTHEOW
I’m afraid your husband’s days are
numbered, my dear. But surely you
don’t love that old doting lecher?
Hæreth looks away, unable to meet his gaze.
ONGENTHEOW
Ah yes, of course. There’s someone
else. It isn’t still that bumbling
farm boy, is it? Beerwolf, was it?
Hæreth’s glare says it all. Ongentheow rubs his scar.
ONGENTHEOW
And where is your true
Oh, that’s right, he’s
looking for adventure.
boys never do grow up,
love now?
gone off
Well, some
do they?
HÆRETH
Beowulf will kill you one day. And
the more harm you do me the more
horrid will be your death!
ONGENTHEOW
If he ever comes back, that is.
Hæreth cannot hide her own doubts.
ONGENTHEOW
Yes, poor pig boy has gone off and
left you, now, hasn’t he?
65
HÆRETH
He’ll come back.
ONGENTHEOW
And why should he?
HÆRETH
Because he made an oath.
ONGENTHEOW
What, like your oath to him?
HÆRETH
(less convincing)
He’ll come back.
ONGENTHEOW
It matters not. After this night,
all these lands shall be known as
Swede-Land. No crippled warhorse
can stop me, and certainly no
lovelorn sheepherder’s son will!
Ongentheow storms out as a tear rolls down Hæreth’s cheek.
EXT. HERO’S HILL - HONDSCIO’S TOMB – DUSK
A stone archway stands open in the side of a fresh barrow mound.
Before it, Hondscio lies in state, decked out in golden armor,
sword and shield upon his breast. A large crowd has gathered.
Beowulf stands alone beside the bier. All eyes are on him. The
sun hangs low, shifting through deepening hues of gold and red.
BEOWULF
Every man must come to the end of
his days. Let him who may do great
deeds before that time. For that
is our best memorial when we must
depart forever from this world.
Beowulf catches a fleeting glimpse of Ecgtheow among the crowd.
BEOWULF
These words my father said to me.
No man can escape his Fate, let
him try who will. For at the last
death comes to us all, and wanting
to stay, yet we must go.
66
Beowulf gazes down at his fallen friend.
BEOWULF
Farewell, fair friend. We shall
meet again.
Hondscio’s body is lifted and borne into the barrow. The Raven
now sits atop the tomb, looking down on them.
EXT. HEOROT VALLEY - DUSK
A torch-lit procession of mourners file slowly down the hill
towards the hall.
EXT. TROLL MERE - DUSK
The bloody track ends at the edge of a swampy mere stretching
between towering cliffs. Across the mere FIRELIGHT FLICKERS.
YRMENLAF
That must be the ogre’s lair.
ÆSCHERE
Then that is where we must go.
Æschere nudges his steed forward, but it rears back as a
slithering shape glides by, emitting an EERIE ELECTRIC GLOW.
Æschere turns to see Unferth aiming an arrow at him.
THE ARROW FLIES -- WHIZZING past Æschere’s head and sinking into
the neck of a fanged SEA-SNAKE rearing up out of the water
behind him. Æschere lops off its head with a single blow.
ÆSCHERE
My thanks, Unferth.
UNFERTH
Don’t mention it.
The men dismount and trudge into the fen on foot.
EXT. TROLL CAVE - NIGHT
At the far end of the fen an ARCHWAY OF HUMAN BONES frames a
cavern opening. FIRELIGHT FLICKERS from within. The men hold
their breath against the foul stench as they pass through.
Unferth, hesitant, enters last.
67
INT. TROLL CAVE - NIGHT
Entering a high torch-lit cavern, the three men are met with a
ghastly sight: a mocking likeness of Heorot, where a host of
SLAIN WARRIORS sit around a rough-hewn stone table.
Before a blazing fire pit stands a THRONE constructed of rusted
armor and shields. Crouching at its base is a hideous TROLL-HAG,
cradling Grendel’s lifeless body in her shaggy arms. She MOANS
piteously, stroking Grendel's face as she rocks to and fro.
YRMENLAF
Odin protect us!
The Troll-Hag turns cold eyes on them, WAILING hideously.
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
A circle of warriors stand atop the stones of a fire pit as the
flames are stoked higher and higher.
One by one they back away until only Svein and Ingeld remain
facing the blazing inferno. Beads of sweat trickle down their
reddened faces, but neither man will flinch.
Wiglaf watches the Fire Challenge with Hrothgar’s sons as Ottar
returns to his seat beside them, sweating profusely.
OTTAR
Always been a cold weather man
myself.
WIGLAF
Svein’s an Iron-Smith, the heat
will never bother him.
HRETHRIC
Ingeld’s as stubborn as an ox;
he’ll never yield.
A lock of Ingeld’s hair bursts into flame and he leaps back,
brushing it out. Svein raises his arms, victorious.
The onlookers burst into laughter as Svein realizes his sleeve
is on fire and frantically tries to put it out.
BEOWULF
Well done, Svein! You’ve proven
yourself most worthy once more.
68
OTTAR
The one whose cold blood is most
in need of warming, you mean!
Svein glares at him comically.
INT. TROLL CAVE - NIGHT
The TROLL-HAG leaps at Æschere, SHRIEKING hideously, smashing
him into a pile of armor. The Hag snarls and hisses, clutching
Æschere with piercing claws as they wrestle across the floor.
Æschere reaches for a dagger protruding from the eye-socket of a
nearby skull. The Troll-Hag bites into his shoulder and he
screams with pain. He rams the dagger into the Hag’s side.
The Troll-Hag WAILS in agony and rolls aside. Looking up, her
eyes go wide and she leaps out of the way just as Yrmenlaf’s
spear slams down, piercing an empty rib-cage.
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Beowulf is entertaining the children by recounting the Grendel
fight. He grimaces, baring his “claws” and the children gasp.
BEOWULF
Ten feet tall the black beast
towered over me-OTTAR
Oy! What about the rest of us?
WIGLAF
What, you? You slept through the
whole thing!
Ottar feigns innocence.
BEOWULF
15 men surrounded Grendel then!
The Geats put on their best “we bad” attitudes. All but Eofor,
who has grown distant and morose since his episode of cowardice.
INT. TROLL CAVE - NIGHT
The Troll-Hag leaps to and fro, dodging blows, but Æschere and
Yrmenlaf press her ever backwards, cutting off escape. Unferth
manages always to stay just out of harm’s way.
69
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Beowulf lunges at Ottar, who plays along by doing his best
Grendel impression as Beowulf chases him around the fire pit.
BEOWULF
Terror seized the creature then!
It tried to flee, but I gripped
Grendel fast!
Beowulf leaps on Ottar’s back. Ottar lurches about wildly.
OTTAR
Ow! Oy, easy now! Grendel’s dead
already! OW!!!
Ottar breaks away and backs off, holding his shoulder.
BEOWULF
But let the bards sing the song in
after days, for I am famished and
could eat a man myself!
SVEIN
And you could do so I'd wager!
BEOWULF
Aye! Bring me a slice of roast
Grendel now!
WIGLAF
And make it a shoulder-bone, if
you please!
BEOWULF
I should have grabbed a leg then
as well, if that's all the food
I'm to find in Hrothgar’s hall!
INT. TROLL CAVE - NIGHT
The Troll-Hag is backed up against the throne, Æschere to one
side, Yrmenlaf on the other. Unferth steps into view between
them, plucking up Yrmenlaf’s spear.
ÆSCHERE
Seek for your son in the eternal
darkness, foul wretch, for there I
shall now send you.
70
The Troll-Hag MOANS pitifully. As she glances down at Grendel, a
tear rolls down her furry cheek, and Æschere hesitates.
Unferth swings the butt of the spear, sending Yrmenlaf sprawling
within reach of the Troll-Hag. Yrmenlaf screams as the Hag tears
at his flesh. Æschere turns on Unferth, stunned.
ÆSCHERE
Traitor! Coward and traitor!
Unferth rams the point of his spear into Æschere’s chest.
UNFERTH
At least I’m still alive.
Unferth flings Æschere to the ground at the Troll-Hag’s feet.
The Hag glances up at him quizzically, mouth oozing blood.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Hrolf and Eofor sit in a corner apart from the crowd, who have
now moved indoors.
EOFOR
I did nothing to help him, Hrolf.
I fled like a coward.
HROLF
What could you have done that
Hondscio could not? Can you slay
an ogre, Eofor? Even Beowulf
barely managed that.
EOFOR
I could have tried.
HROLF
You would only have ended up like
him.
AT THE HIGH TABLE
Hrothgar signals for silence. He points to Grendel’s arm.
HROTHGAR
For this fine sight, good men of
Geat-Land, our eternal thanks. And
with our thanks, take these golden
treasures.
71
Hrothgar claps his hands and TWO SERVANTS enter carrying banners
woven with Beowulf's crest in golden thread. They part, and a
line of TREASURE-BEARERS pass through, presenting each of the
Geats with chests of gold and jewels, and golden war-helms.
BEOWULF
Our humble thanks, lord, but you
bestow too great a gift.
Ottar shakes his head, disagreeing.
HROTHGAR
Men deserving less than this have
received as much, though they
fought no foe like yours.
Hrothgar clasps Beowulf by the shoulders.
HROTHGAR
You have done what no man else
could do. From this day forth you
shall be to me as my own son, and
my house your second home.
BEOWULF
And you to me as my own father.
As they embrace, Hrothulf scowls, seeing his place usurped.
Wealtheow, too, shows some concern.
Hrothgar claps his hands and two wooden chests are brought in.
One is filled with gold coins, the other with gems and jewelry.
HROTHGAR
Let this be payment for Hondscio’s
death, though no price can repay
the loss.
BEOWULF
I thank you. This gift will make
the burden less, though hard will
this fall on Hondscio’s wife.
HROTHGAR
Hondscio died a hero's death.
Proud of him his wife should be.
Beowulf’s gaze is distant as he thinks of the news he must bear
home. Eofor hangs his head in shame.
72
INT. HONDSCIO’S HOME - NIGHT
Hannah lies in bed alone, one hand on her swollen belly, the
other on the empty space beside her.
EXT. RAVENSWOOD – NIGHT
The Geats are camped within the shelter of the dense forest.
Through the trees to the east hundreds of fires flicker.
ONGENTHEOW (OS)
Hygelac! We are coming for you!
You and your men shall die with
the rising sun!
WONRED
How much longer, Haldar?
Haldar gazes up, taking in as much of the night sky as he can.
HALDAR
Four hours, maybe five. The archer
is yet at the hunt.
HYGELAC
Dawn will come soon enough.
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – NIGHT
Ongentheow shouts taunts and jibes from the edge of the forest.
ONGENTHEOW
Prepare to die, you pig-dogs!
Othere and Weohstan stand beside him.
OTHERE
We should burn them out.
ONGENTHEOW
No. Make them wait. They’re dead
men either way.
He moves off towards the pavilion where Hæreth is being held.
Weohstan watches him go, then turns away, conflicted.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Wealtheow stands before Hrothgar bearing a silver chalice.
73
WEALTHEOW
Accept this cup, my lord. Rejoice
in your good fortune, and give
while you may these gifts of gold.
Hrothgar takes the cup, but she does not yet let go. She holds
his gaze firmly as he waits for her to come to the point.
WEALTHEOW
Yet forget not your own sons.
Leave to your kinsmen that which
is justly theirs.
HROTHGAR
This high seat, these lands and
hall shall go to Hrethric, and
after him Hrothmund, our true
sons, by right of blood.
She releases the chalice and Hrothgar drinks deeply.
HROTHGAR
Yet should they perish by some
ill-chance, what then?
Hrothulf snaps to attention. Onela, across the hall, notes this.
HROTHGAR
It is an evil world where demons
prowl the peaceful night, and no
man knows what Fate awaits him.
Hrothgar draws a dagger across his hand and lets the blood drip
into the chalice. He turns to Beowulf.
HROTHGAR
Therefore, Beowulf, drink with us,
and take into your heart the blood
of Danes.
Beowulf takes the cup and drains it. Hrothulf stabs his dagger
into the goose carcass on a platter in front of him.
INT. ONGENTHEOW’S TENT – NIGHT
Ongentheow enters the torch-lit tent, stopping in the entrance
to stare lustily at Hæreth, who is bound tightly to the central
support pole. Hæreth’s eyes go wide as she realizes his intent.
74
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Beowulf refills the chalice and turns to Hrothgar’s sons,
sitting with Wiglaf.
BEOWULF
Drink with me brothers!
HRETHRIC & HROTHMUND
Aye! Gladly!
BEOWULF
But tell me first, Hrothmund, of
all that’s in this world, what
most would you have for your own?
HROTHMUND
That’s easy! I would have all the
farmland in the kingdom on which
to grow my grain.
BEOWULF
That, indeed, would be a rich
harvest. Hail then, Hrothmund!
Beowulf drinks, then hands the cup to Hrothmund, who drinks.
INT. ONGENTHEOW’S TENT – NIGHT
Hæreth stares wide-eyed at the approaching Ongentheow, trying
frantically to loosen the ropes binding her hands. Ongentheow
grabs her and kisses her hard. She spits in his face. He grins.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
BEOWULF
And what would you, Hrethric, if
all the world were yours?
HRETHRIC
Miles and miles of cows, enough to
eat up all of Hrothmund’s grain!
BEOWULF
Well answered, brother. Surely
that would be a kingdom of cows!
Again Beowulf drinks, then hands the cup to Hrethric.
75
INT. ONGENTHEOW’S TENT – NIGHT
Ongentheow is all over Hæreth. She screams and he puts a hand
over her mouth. With the other he fumbles to undo his trousers.
Hæreth kicks Ongentheow hard with a knee to the crotch, dropping
him. A second blow connects with his nose. Blood explodes with a
loud CRACK. Ongentheow turns slowly, glaring up at her.
ONGENTHEOW
You’ll pay for that, wench.
HÆRETH
That’s what you said last time.
Hæreth wrenches the tent pole loose and the tent collapses.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Hrothulf stands, raising his own cup.
HROTHULF
And what of me? Will you not drink
with me as well, brother?
BEOWULF
Indeed I will. But tell me first,
what would you have if all in this
world was at your command?
HROTHULF
I would have enough warriors in my
hall to eat all of Hrethric’s cows
at a single meal.
HROTHGAR
Then, Hrothulf, would you truly
rule a kingdom!
Beowulf hands the chalice to Hrothulf, who drains it dry.
HROTHULF
Then, uncle, I would rule the
world!
BEOWULF
Indeed, I think you would.
76
EXT. ONGENTHEOW’S TENT - NIGHT
Flames leap up as the tent catches fire from fallen torches.
Hæreth rolls out from under the edge, struggling to free her
bound hands, and runs right into Othere, who grabs her roughly.
Ongentheow breaks free of the burning tent, sooty and singed.
ONGENTHEOW
Tie her up. Tightly! Put her on a
horse. I want her to witness the
downfall of her people.
OTHERE
Yes, father.
ONGENTHEOW
(to Weohstan)
Loose the arrows.
Hæreth glares at Weohstan with burning gaze.
WEOHSTAN
But we can’t see, my Lord.
ONGENTHEOW
Then light the arrows!
WEOHSTAN
(with some hesitation)
Aye, my Lord.
ONGENTHEOW
(to Oslaf)
Change of plans.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Hrothgar claps his hands.
HROTHGAR
Now let there be story and song in
Heorot once more, such as we have
not heard in many a year! Widsith!
Tell us a tale of glory, of days
when gods and men fought side by
side and conquered all!
WIDSITH, a young bard, comes forward and bows nervously.
77
HROTHGAR
Play on Harper! Fear not Grendel’s
wrath this night, for darkness
dwells no more in Dane-Mark.
He nods hesitantly, clearly unaccustomed to the task.
WIDSITH
Here is a song of the Danish hero
Hnæf, who fell with the sons of
Finn when the Frisians came upon
them at Finnsburg!
Widsith starts to play, but his harp is out of tune. The crowd
bursts into laughter as he smiles and bobs nervously. He tries
quickly to tune up, but only makes it worse.
AT THE GEATS’ TABLE
Svein and Ottar speak quietly with Wulfgar and Freawaru.
SVEIN
So Hrothulf’s mother Yrsa was the
sister of Halga, his own father?
WULFGAR
Aye. But even stranger than that,
Halga was Yrsa’s brother and her
father, too.
OTTAR
Go on! You’re pulling me leg now!
WULFGAR
No, truly. You see, Halga never
knew his mother, as she was taken
in a raid when he was but a boy.
Inga was her name.
The crowd begins to taunt the poor minstrel, who fumbles about,
growing more flustered, making them laugh even louder.
WULFGAR
Years later, Halga was pillaging
up the Northern coast in the usual
manner, when he sees the most
beautiful wench he ever laid eyes
on. Dark-haired she was and he was
drawn to her like never before.
78
FREAWARU
He’d have taken her away with him
that night, they say, but that her
men-folk put up a fair mean fight.
WULFGAR
Nine moons later she gives birth
to a daughter with Halga’s eyes.
And she named the child Yrsa.
OTTAR
Oy! That’s a cruel Fate!
WULFGAR
That’s not the half of it.
SVEIN
Somehow I didn’t think it was.
The crowd is growing unruly, throwing food at Widsith.
WULFGAR
Well, of course, Halga never knew
Yrsa, as she was raised by Inga
far away north.
FREAWARU
One day he meets this lass out
wandering. A young girl with dark
raven hair and eyes like his own.
WULFGAR
You see, he’d never got over the
beauty of that wench from the
north. Never did he think to see
her like again.
FREAWARU
Till the day he met young Yrsa.
OTTAR
That’s messed up.
They glance to where Hrothulf sits with Yrsa at the high table.
She holds him protectively, stroking his hair like a child.
WULFGAR
When Halga discovered the truth of
it he went away, never to return.
79
FREAWARU
They say he was only looking for a
way to die.
SVEIN
Aye. He was with us at Sorrow Hill
when the Swedes came, and he
fought like a screaming banshee.
FLASHBACK - BATTLE OF SORROW HILL
HALGA, bloody head
of Beowulf, Hæreth
Halga takes down a
sounds the retreat
to toe and pierced by arrows, stands in front
and Svein, fighting in a berserker frenzy.
half-dozen attacking Swedes as Ongentheow
and flees with his sons.
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf has been listening quietly.
BEOWULF
He fell there defending us, and
there he lies still. Were it not
for him we’d be lying there now
too.
Widsith finally gets the tuning right and gives a sigh of
relief. The crowd cheers as Widsith sets into a melancholy lay.
WIDSITH
Hnæf of the Scyldings, hero of the
Half-Danes, was doomed to die in
Frisian feud...
The Danes nod and grin knowingly to one another.
EXT. RAVENSWOOD – NIGHT
The Geat encampment is in an uproar as a raging forest fire
rushes towards them. Smoke glows red as a rain of arrows hails
down upon them.
HYGELAC
Make for the Trollhight! Take
cover in the cliffs!
The wounded are dragged and carried away as well as possible,
but many are left behind to be engulfed in flame, screaming.
80
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Across the hall Onela speaks quietly with Ingeld.
ONELA
Do you see, Lord Ingeld, the neckring that Beowulf now wears? Is
that not finely crafted?
Ingeld gazes darkly across the room.
INGELD
That is the golden torque of the
Brosingas. It was once an heirloom
of my clan.
ONELA
It is a lovely piece. I like as
much the boar-crested war-helm
worn by that Danish door-guard. It
looks well with his ring-mail.
INGELD
That was Withergyld’s war-shirt.
And his boar-helm.
ONELA
Do you then know, my Lord, that
scabbard which Hrothgar wears?
Ingeld’s eyes grow cold as he sees what Onela indicates.
ONELA
There swings your father's sword
at the side of his once-enemy,
taken from him on the battlefield
when he fought his final fight.
INGELD
These are cold words, Onela. They
chill me to the core.
ONELA
Where cold words flow, hot steel
soon should follow.
INGELD
I have sworn an oath to uphold the
peace. It is my solemn duty.
81
ONELA
Little faith have I in purchased
peace. Such vows cannot last.
Ingeld glances coldly at his wife, sitting with Wulfgar.
ONELA
Ties of blood cannot be severed by
a sword's sharp edge.
INGELD
Aye, my Lord, that is true.
Widsith wraps up his story-song to loud applause.
WIDSITH
For Hildeburh his sister the grief
was too great, brother and son she
lost there that day, slain by the
oath-breakers, betrayed by Fate!
There is a commotion at the entryway as a DOOR-GUARD enters.
DOOR-GUARD
Unferth comes!
Unferth rides into the hall on horseback. The heads of Grendel
and the Troll-Hag hang by their hair from the spear shaft
resting on his shoulders, one on either side.
UNFERTH
My Lord! Grendel is dead!
He tosses the severed heads to the floor as everyone gathers
around to gape at the sight. Unferth dismounts and bows low.
HROTHGAR
How now, Unferth? How comes this?
UNFERTH
Grendel yet lived when we reached
his lair, my lord, but no more.
There was another, as you can see.
I have slain them both.
Unferth holds out his sword, sticky with black blood.
BEOWULF
Where are Æschere and Yrmenlaf?
82
UNFERTH
Dead. Slain by the Troll-Hag.
HROTHGAR
Æschere? Dead?
UNFERTH
He saved my life, my Lord. He is
truly a hero among heroes.
HROTHGAR
Alas! Sorrow returns swiftly to
us. Will Odin never grant a change
of Fortune?
UNFERTH
Did I not say Grendel would seek
revenge, my Lord? Did I not say to
send Beowulf instead?
Beowulf lifts Grendel’s head, oozing BLACK BLOOD. He lifts the
Troll-Hag’s head. GREEN BLOOD drips to the floor. He then runs a
finger through the RED BLOOD on Unferth’s spear tip.
BEOWULF
And whose blood would this be?
Unferth glances around frantically, caught in his own web. All
eyes are on him, every face turned against him. Unferth’s eyes
go dark as he nods to Hrothulf-Hrothulf draws his sword and runs Hrethric through. Wealtheow
screams as Hrethric crumples to his knees, eyes wide.
HROTHGAR
Treachery and treason!
Seeing his chance, Unferth rams the spear into Beowulf’s chest---but Beowulf is wearing his chain-mail shirt, and Unferth’s
spear tip stops dead, lodged in one of the links. Beowulf swings
Grendel’s head, sending Unferth flailing across the floor.
ONELA
Now, Ingeld! Now is your time!
Ingeld and Onela draw their swords and leap over the tables,
followed by their men. The Danes, already in confusion, are
utterly surprised. Onela and Ingeld are on them in an instant.
83
Battle erupts throughout the hall. Blades crash together. Swords
tear through flesh. Blood splatters the walls. The RAVEN CAWS.
HROTHGAR
Defend the hall, men!
Beowulf snatches up Unferth’s spear just in time to fend off
Onela’s attack. But Onela hacks the spear in half. Beowulf
tosses the shafts aside. He sees Unferth’s sword lying nearby.
ONELA
Now I will finish what I started.
BEOWULF
You should have finished it the
first time.
ONELA
A mistake I won’t make again.
Beowulf rolls aside as Onela swings, coming up with the sword in
hand. Their blades crash together like raging thunder.
Hrothgar draws his sword and rushes toward the high table, where
Hrothmund is doing his best to fend off a frenzied Hrothulf.
Several men lie dead at their feet.
But Ingeld intercepts Hrothgar before he gets there.
HROTHGAR
Step aside, Ingeld.
INGELD
You killed my father. Now I will
kill you.
Ingeld swings, but Hrothgar ducks the blow and Ingeld’s blade
knocks a torch from its sconce, setting a tapestry alight.
HROTHGAR
And your father killed my father.
Shall my son slay your son?
INGELD
Look around, old man. Your kingdom
is crumbling about you. Your reign
is at its end.
Ingeld swings and their blades clash in a shower of sparks.
84
HROTHGAR
Well that may be. Yet I swear to
you now Ingeld, never again shall
you set forth from these shores.
This hall shall be your tomb!
Hrothgar attacks, fighting like a man possessed, forcing Ingeld
back towards the throne, where Wulfgar has leapt to a wounded
Hrothmund’s defense.
Hrothulf stabs Wulfgar in the leg and he crumbles to his knees.
Freawaru screams and runs to Wulfgar’s side as Hrothulf turns on
Hrothmund, only to find Yrsa standing there.
HROTHULF
Hello, sister-mother! Isn’t this a
splendid reunion? Look, there is
my uncle-father...
(indicates Onela)
And here...my cousin-nephew!
YRSA
Don’t do this, Hrothulf. There is
no honor to be gained this way.
HROTHULF
Honor? What has honor ever gotten
me? What good did honor for my
father?
YRSA
I cannot let you do this.
HROTHULF
Story of my life, sister. Stand
aside!
YRSA
It is not for you to rule this
hall.
HROTHULF
Then this is farewell, mother.
Hrothulf raises his sword -- just as the full length of a blade
erupts from his own back. He gazes down at Hrothmund, lying
wounded at his feet, hands on the sword hilt in his stomach.
Hrothulf sinks back onto the throne as Hrothmund rises.
85
HROTHMUND
Enjoy this moment, cousin, for it
is as close to the throne as you
will ever come.
Blood stains the golden throne as Hrothulf dies.
WEALTHEOW
Thus is treachery repaid.
YRSA
Farewell, my son.
Hrothgar and Ingeld crash into the high table, blood flowing on
both sides. Ingeld is younger, stronger, and more agile, and the
king is wounded again and again, but will not yield.
Nearby, Beowulf and Onela fight with a manic rage, pummeling one
another with blows. But Beowulf is distracted, keeping one eye
on the king. Every time he tries to break away, Onela is there.
The hall is quickly filling with smoke as the fire spreads.
Wealtheow pulls Yrsa toward the rear exit-WEALTHEOW
Come! We must go! We can do
nothing here...
--and runs straight into a glowering Unferth, who grabs her
tightly, drawing her close.
UNFERTH
Ah, my Lady. So you have come to
me at last!
WEALTHEOW
Unferth! You will pay for this
treachery!
UNFERTH
Oh, I think not, your highness.
But I will be paid, and richly
too, for all my years of service.
FREAWARU (OS)
Think again.
Unferth turns just as Freawaru shoves a burning torch into his
face. Unferth screams, clutching charred flesh, and flees.
86
Wealtheow pushes Yrsa through a rear door, helps Freawaru drag
Wulfgar out, then turns back to the hall, eyes reflecting fire.
WEALTHEOW
Hrothmund.
Across the hall, Hrothmund defends the fallen Hrothgar, but is
no match for Ingeld. Hrothmund trips and falls. His sword
clatters across the floor. Ingeld raises his blade for the kill.
INGELD
So ends the illustrious kingdom of
the Danes.
Wealtheow steps between them, sword in hand.
WEALTHEOW
You have angered the gods this
day, Ingeld. Not lightly do they
look on oath-breakers.
INGELD
Step aside, wench, or you shall
feel the bite of my blade as well!
WEALTHEOW
So may it be. But Norse women do
not sit idly by. Nor do we easily
fall!
Wealtheow swings, unleashing a pent-up fury, reigning down a
series of savage blows which utterly surprise Ingeld.
The hall is now all smoke and raging fire. The combatants dodge
falling timbers and burning benches as the individual battles
become ever more isolated.
Wealtheow wounds Ingeld several times, but he is a skilled
fighter and soon regains the upper hand, disarming Wealtheow.
Beowulf sees them, but is tied up fighting Onela. As Ingeld
raises his sword for the death blow, Beowulf lunges into a
burning pillar. The pillar topples, crashing down onto Ingeld.
Ingeld screams through searing flesh, his clothes aflame.
Burning beams crash down in a rain of debris, separating Beowulf
and Onela. Beowulf and Wealtheow rush to Hrothgar’s side, where
Hrothmund kneels, weeping.
87
HROTHMUND
I’m sorry, father. I failed you.
HROTHGAR
No, my son. You stood strong. I’m
proud of you. Thus am I avenged.
WEALTHEOW
We’ve got to get out of here.
HROTHGAR
Leave me. I’m done for-Beowulf lifts Hrothgar in his arms, searching for a way out.
Scattered battles rage amidst the fiery inferno.
BEOWULF
Retreat, men! Flee from the hall!
Beowulf makes for the rear exit, dodging debris and kicking
assailants out of the way. He head-butts one to the ground.
Svein, Wiglaf and Ottar converge, clearing a path before them.
Ottar loses an arm in the battle, but goes berserk and beheads
his opponent with a single-handed blow of his axe.
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
The battle has spilled out through the front doors into the
square as warriors escape the burning hall, coughing and
bleeding.
Onela and a faction of his men fight their way out through a
weakened defense and escape into the night.
INT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Ottar roars with pain as Wiglaf staunches the wound using his
cloak as a makeshift tourniquet. Svein lifts Ottar by his other
arm, supporting him as they press on.
SVEIN
Now shall we call you Grendel, for
like enough do you look!
OTTAR
Arghh! Like enough do I feel!
88
They reach the rear door, but it is closed. Hrolf and Eofor are
there trying to open it, but several dozen sword and axe blades
protrude inward from under the door.
EOFOR
It’s been wedged from outside.
Beowulf kicks the door open with a mighty crash, splintering it
into pieces, but the storeroom beyond is a raging inferno.
The men gaze around frantically. They are now cut off from all
exits by the fire. Wiglaf points out a stack of shields nearby.
BEOWULF
Follow me.
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
The hall is fully ablaze, surrounded by scattered battles and a
mass of villagers carting buckets of water from the well. Heorot
begins to collapse as the fire takes its toll.
Freawaru and Yrsa tend the wounded lying all around the square,
but glance continually towards the hall with worried eyes.
Wulfgar, his leg wound now bandaged, climbs to his feet.
FREAWARU
Where are you going?
WULFGAR
I have to help them.
FREAWARU
No you don’t!
She grabs him tight and pulls him close. They lock eyes.
FREAWARU
I’m not losing you again.
But just then Beowulf emerges from the entryway, blackened with
soot, carrying Hrothgar in his shielded arms. The others follow
as one, covered entirely by interlocking shields.
All eyes turn to them.
Beowulf’s expression says it all as he gently lays Hrothgar
down. Red blood stains the green grass.
89
Wealtheow kneels at Hrothgar’s side, weeping. She cradles his
head in her lap and he smiles warmly up at her.
HROTHGAR
My wife, my Queen. Ever at my
side. More a king could not want.
EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST - NIGHT
Unferth, his face badly burned, cries as he watches from afar.
EXT. TROLLHIGHT - NIGHT
Hygelac and a few of his surviving men stand atop a rocky
outcrop, gazing at the blaze stretching out across their
homeland below. Wonred glances at the towering rocks behind.
WONRED
Well, at least the Swedes won’t
follow us any further.
HYGELAC
Don’t count on it.
Wonred and Haldar exchange worried glances.
EXT. HEOROT - NIGHT
Hrothgar gazes at Heorot, watching his legacy go up in flames.
HROTHGAR
Much love and much hate must he
endure who thinks to live long in
this world. Happy we live from
feast to feast, with no thought
for tomorrow. Yet too brief are
our days upon this earth, and all
will pass in time.
Hrothgar clutches Beowulf with a bloody hand.
HROTHGAR
Beware then, Beowulf! For when the
watchman slumbers the archer
shoots with deadly aim!
SHADOWY FORMS loom up around him, the shades of fallen warriors
awaiting him in Valhalla: Æschere, Hrethric, Hondscio, Ecgtheow.
In the distance several VALKYRIE ride in on their SPIRIT STEEDS.
90
HROTHGAR
Soon enough come sickness, war,
and age that will break your
strength. The lights will darken
that were your eyes, and cold
night will overcome you. In the
end death awaits us all. Thus are
we all slain. As am I. Farewell.
The Shades surround him, merging into DARKNESS.
BEOWULF (VO)
Farewell, fair King.
A BARELY AUDIBLE WIND swirls around us, rising into nothing.
EXT. HEOROT - DAWN
Shafts of sunlight break the horizon, revealing the charred and
smoldering remains of Heorot. On the hill beyond, several fresh
burial mounds can now be seen. The town is deserted.
The Raven sits atop the golden antlers, now lying askew amidst
the blackened rubble. Rising up, the bird flits by, making for
the sea-path.
EXT. INLAND ROAD - DAY
The Raven follows the forest path towards the sea.
EXT. DANISH HARBOR - DAY
The Raven soars out over the cliff's edge, swooping down to
light on the beam of Beowulf ship’s, now loaded with treasure.
A large crowd has gathered to bid the Geats goodbye. Hrothmund,
wearing the antlered crown of Denmark, sits astride a charger.
Beside him, Wealtheow sits on a white palfrey. Freawaru sits
close by, Wulfgar at her side.
Beowulf’s men make ready to sail, checking ropes and stowing
gear. Beowulf stands in the prow of the ship, now repaired.
BEOWULF
Now must we travelers from afar
return again to our own homes and
kin. Well have we been housed in
Heorot. For this, and these fine
gifts, we give our thanks.
91
HROTHMUND
Ever are you welcome in our home.
But sad are we to see you go.
BEOWULF
If ever you have need of us again,
we will come at once and do what
good we may.
HROTHMUND
Strong are your hands, Beowulf,
and your heart more wise. Should
ever your own lord fall in battle,
the Geats could find no better man
to rule their land than you.
WEALTHEOW
Be at peace, my son, and remember
always that courage comes from the
heart, but strength is to be found
in wisdom.
BEOWULF
Farewell, fair Queen. May your
people flourish in this fertile
land.
HROTHMUND
Fare you well, wherever you may
fare, brother of Dane-Mark. Safe
be your journey, and speedy your
return!
BEOWULF
So may it be. Live long, and reign
well, King of Danes!
Beowulf salutes them. The Danes as one salute him back as the
ship is launched into the harbor.
WEALTHEOW
(to herself)
Farewell, fair friend. ‘Tis like
we shall not meet again upon this
Earth.
Far out to sea a familiar ship can dimly be seen, sailing away.
92
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER – NIGHT
Candlelight casts its golden glow over a bed piled high with
furs, in the midst of which a naked Hæreth lies beside Beowulf.
With a finger he traces the curve of her body.
HÆRETH
I’m so glad you’ve come home,
Beowulf. Back home to me. I
thought never to see you again.
BEOWULF
I could never stay away from you,
Hæreth. You draw me ever back
again, as a moth is drawn to flame.
HÆRETH
You did promise to return to me.
BEOWULF
Aye, that I did. As you promised
always to be mine. The two of us,
together forever, through all
eternity.
The door bursts open, and Hygelac storms in, sword poised.
HYGELAC
Faithless wench! So this is how a
lowly peasant girl repays the king
who made of her a queen!
HÆRETH
I never wanted to marry you, you
fat pig! You made me do it out of
spite for Beowulf, because you're
jealous of him!
Beowulf rolls aside as Hygelac’s sword sinks into the bed where
he had just been. Hæreth's eyes go wide as Hygelac draws the
sword out and glares down at her.
HYGELAC
Savor well the last moments of
your wretched life, foul demon of
darkness!
Blood spills across the bed as he runs her through.
93
Beowulf rages, smashing Hygelac against a wall. He wrenches the
sword from Hygelac’s grip and swings, screaming insanely. The
blade passes cleanly through Hygelac’s neck. The mouth opens-WIGLAF (VO)
Beowulf.
--as Hygelac’s head topples slowly to the floor.
WIGLAF (VO)
Beowulf, wake up!
EXT. BEOWULF’S WARSHIP - NIGHT
Beowulf starts awake. He is huddled in the prow of the ship,
wrapped in thick furs. Wiglaf stands over him as he gazes
around, trying to regain his bearings. Most of the crew are
huddled around the mast, asleep. Widsith, who has come with
them, plucks a gentle melody on his harp as waves lap softly by.
WIGLAF
It’s your watch. You said you’d
take... Hondscio’s shift.
Beowulf glances up at the sky. The faint tracery of the Norse
constellations can vaguely be made out: a roaring dragon, a
Viking warship, a warrior wielding a broadsword.
BEOWULF
Aye, that I did. Get some sleep,
lad. A hero’s welcome awaits you
tomorrow.
Beowulf heads towards the rear of the ship. Wiglaf follows.
WIGLAF
Me, sir? Do you really think so?
About me being a hero and all?
I mean, I did little more than
stand by and watch, really.
They reach the stern and Beowulf unties the secured rudder bar.
He checks the ship’s heading against the stars.
BEOWULF
Well now, I did kill Grendel sure.
And no easy task, I’ll grant you
that! And it was Hondscio died for
it, not either of us.
94
He fixes his gaze on Wiglaf.
BEOWULF
But that’s not what makes a man a
hero, Wiglaf. Better than a
thousand fighting men live in our
valley, and not but one in a
hundred came forward for this
venture. Many might have done as
well as we. Some likely would have
done better!
Nearby, Eofor lies as if asleep. But he is awake and listening.
BEOWULF
We few are the ones who dared to
go. And that alone is the measure
of valor, the strength of will to
face your fears. You stood by my
side in the heat of battle and did
not turn away. Stronger I may be
than you, but you are every bit
the man I am. Never forget that.
WIGLAF
Aye, my Lord.
Beowulf claps him on the back. Wiglaf smiles humbly and moves
away, leaving Beowulf to ponder the weight of his own words.
EXT. HONDSCIO’S FARM – DAY - FLASHBACK
Young Beowulf and Young Hondscio play-fight with wooden swords.
Hondscio is a runt by comparison to Beowulf’s already husky
bulk, but he is quick-witted and agile, easily outmaneuvering
Beowulf’s brute-force approach. Young Hæreth watches nearby.
YOUNG BEOWULF
Arrgh! Quit moving so much!
YOUNG HONDSCIO
What? So you can hit me more? No
thank you!
Beowulf grows impatient, and in his frustration he swings wider,
over-extending himself. Hondscio gets in a good shot to the ribs
and Beowulf cringes, but presses on, pounding harder, raining
down blows with increased brutality. Hondscio backs off.
95
YOUNG BEOWULF
Gods, Hondscio, fight like a man!
YOUNG HONDSCIO
Take it easy, Beowulf, it’s just a
game!
YOUNG BEOWULF
War is not a game, Hondscio! A
sword is the difference between
life and death. Never forget that!
Beowulf throws down his stick and walks away, leaving Hondscio
and Hæreth gazing at one another, perplexed.
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf runs his fingers absently along the edge of his sword as
he gazes out across the starlit sea. They stop at the notch.
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – NIGHT
Hæreth is now lashed securely in the back of a wagon. Flanking
her are two Swedish guards, OSMUND and OTTO.
OSMUND
(covertly)
She’s a pretty lass. What say we
have a go, eh Otto?
OTTO
Nay, she’s for the king, Oz. He’ll
have his way with her afore he’s
through, though. Likely kill her
in the end.
OSMUND
Aye, then what’s stoppin’ us?
OTTO
I’m just doin’ me job here,
Osmund. Orders is orders, and I
don’t want no trouble. I got two
more years, then I can settle down
with me wife and mind the farm.
OSMUND
Oy, always the farm! Leave off
with the pigs and cows already.
96
OTTO
What? What’s wrong with pigs and
cows? You eat enough of them!
OSMUND
Bloody Hel, Otto, we’re warriors!
We may not live two more years,
you imbecile!
OTTO
Well, it don’t hurt none to plan
for the future.
Hæreth follows the conversation with her eyes.
OTTO
See, me and the missus, we got a
little place all staked out up in
the valley. Nice thatched hut, two
rooms, ocean view. It’s got an
indoor well! Get us some sheep,
couple o’ cows, a few pigs-OSMUND
Oy! With the pigs again!!!
Hæreth can’t help but smile.
EXT. BEOWULF’S FARM – DAY - FLASHBACK
Young Beowulf works the fields of his farm, pulling the plow
himself. He struggles against the cold, hard earth, a personal
battle between himself and the world.
Young Hæreth appears, carrying a pitcher of water. Beowulf
smiles appreciatively.
YOUNG HÆRETH
Thirsty work?
YOUNG BEOWULF
I feel as if I've eaten an acre.
YOUNG HÆRETH
You're supposed to eat the crops
after they grow!
Beowulf laughs and takes a long, deep draught. Hæreth looks
around at the progress he's made.
97
YOUNG HÆRETH
You've done well, Beowulf. Your
mother would be proud.
YOUNG BEOWULF
I have much to learn.
YOUNG HÆRETH
You'll do okay.
YOUNG BEOWULF
The ox died.
YOUNG HÆRETH
Maybe your uncle will let you have
one of his.
YOUNG BEOWULF
I thought I'd see if he might
trade for some of father's things.
His sword. Maybe the anvil.
She looks at him meaningfully.
YOUNG HÆRETH
Don't you think you should keep
that? You might need it later.
YOUNG BEOWULF
What good is an anvil to me? I
never learned the craft. Father
tried to teach me, but I didn’t
want to be a farmer.
YOUNG HÆRETH
I meant the sword.
YOUNG BEOWULF
Oh.
YOUNG HÆRETH
But you should keep the anvil as
well. Maybe Svein can teach you.
He's pretty good with a hammer, I
hear, and you two seem to get on
well.
YOUNG BEOWULF
We’ve become pretty good friends.
98
YOUNG HÆRETH
But what do you need with a farm
animal? You're stubborn as an ox
yourself!
YOUNG BEOWULF
Well, I've got the job, if that
means anything!
Hæreth laughs and dumps the pitcher of water over his head.
Beowulf gasps and sputters, then grabs her and draws her close,
getting her wet as well. They lock eyes.
YOUNG HÆRETH
You look the part well enough, at
any rate.
BACK TO PRESENT
Hæreth gazes up at the night sky.
HÆRETH
(barely audible)
Beowulf... what have I done?
EXT. OPEN SEA – NIGHT
Beowulf sits at the tiller gazing at the reddish glow which
tints the eastern sky. Eofor approaches.
EOFOR
I’ll take the steer-board, sir.
BEOWULF
Aye. She’s all yours.
Eofor takes command of the tiller, but follows Beowulf’s gaze
eastward. Puzzled, he checks the position of the stars.
EOFOR
The dawn comes early.
BEOWULF
Fires. The land’s aflame.
EOFOR
Then we’re home already? It was a
speedy crossing.
99
BEOWULF
Aye, the winds favored us. We’ll
reach port ere the coming of the
sun. I’ll wake the men.
EXT. TROLLHIGHT – DAWN
Hygelac and his men stand atop the rocky outcrop, a ragged band,
barely a hundred strong. A crimson hue burns on the horizon,
foretelling the coming dawn.
HALDAR
They’ll be coming soon.
WONRED
If the Trolls don’t come upon us
first.
HALDAR
We should cross over the Heights
and make our way down into the
valley as soon as day comes.
HYGELAC
No. We make our stand here. These
rocks will work to our advantage.
HALDAR
We can’t beat the Swedes, Hygelac!
We have barely a hundred healthy
men among us.
HYGELAC
Do you think the Swedes will just
give up and go home? They’ll keep
coming until we stop them, Haldar.
WONRED
Aye, but we must regroup. We’ve
lost too many men. If we can make
our way home we can refortify
there. Make them come to us.
HYGELAC
And hole up like caged dogs? I
will not! You run away if you want
to, Wonred. I’ll fight the Swedes
alone if I must!
100
EXT. GÖTABORG HARBOR - DAWN
The early morning sun burns red as it breaks over the bluff. The
harbor and village are all but deserted.
UP ON THE BLUFF
ERIK, a boy barely into his teens, stands guard at the cliff’s
edge, gazing sternly out to sea, spear in one hand and a shield
bearing the crest of a WINGED SERPENT in the other.
On the horizon he sees the billowing sail of a ship. He squints
into the distance. Then his eyes go wide with surprise.
ERIK
Beowulf! Beowulf has returned!
He raises a war-horn to his lips and lets loose a mighty blast.
EXT. BEOWULF’S WARSHIP – DAWN
The men are awake now and anxious to return home. A DISTANT HORN
BLAST echoes over the sea. Beowulf winds his horn in return.
EXT. GÖTABORG HARBOR – DAY
As the ship draws into shore, Erik and Wiglaf wave to one
another eagerly, clearly good friends. Wiglaf tosses the mooring
lines out and Erik ties them off. Beowulf leaps over the rail.
ERIK
Praise be to Odin! At long last
and beyond all hope you have
returned again to Geat-Land! We
thought never to see you more!
BEOWULF
Little hope then did you have for
me, Erik of little faith!
ERIK
So it seems!
Erik stares in astonishment as Beowulf’s men begin to unload the
treasure hoard, exulting proudly in their glory.
BEOWULF
Payment for a good day’s work.
101
ERIK
I should say so!
Beowulf laughs at Erik’s bewilderment and claps him on the back.
ERIK
Ah, but it is good to set eyes
upon you once again! It seems an
eternity since you went away.
BEOWULF
It seems to me a lifetime. Yet it
is but a few short weeks.
ERIK
Aye. And yet much has changed
since you went away.
Beowulf looks around the deserted harbor, then east to the fire.
BEOWULF
Where is everyone, Erik? What has
happened since we left?
ERIK
The King has gone to war against
the Swedes. They are encamped at
Ravenswood.
(gazing towards the fire)
We fear the worst.
BEOWULF
Your father has gone with them?
ERIK
Aye. It is why I stand guard at
his post and not he.
BEOWULF
And your sister... she is well?
Erik hesitates before looking Beowulf in the eye.
ERIK
Hæreth has been taken.
BEOWULF
Ai! How? When?
102
ERIK
A small band of Swedes came in the
night, two days after the men rode
out to battle.
(glancing at Wiglaf)
They were led by Weohstan.
BEOWULF
This is ill news. And Heardred was
not taken?
ERIK
No, my Lord, he was not.
Beowulf gazes up at the fortress on the bluff above.
ERIK
Be wary, Beowulf! He will not be
as pleased with your return as I.
BEOWULF
A warrior is always wary, Erik.
Only the dead let down their
guard.
Erik’s eyebrows narrow as he looks about, perplexed.
ERIK
Where is Hondscio?
Beowulf’s grim expression says it all.
EXT. GÖTABORG VILLAGE / BASE OF BLUFF - DAY
The Geats haul their hoard through the deserted streets,
stopping to catch their breath at the base of the bluff, gazing
up at the steep headland leading to the fortress above.
Beowulf shakes his head as he sees his men sprawled on the
ground, heaving and panting.
BEOWULF
Now isn’t that always the way of
it, brought to your knees by gold!
Well, up you go. I didn’t hire you
for your looks!
The men scowl at Beowulf as they pass by. Wiglaf brings up the
rear, supporting Ottar, and they climb the hill together.
103
ERIK
Wiglaf! Am I ever glad to see you!
WIGLAF
Hi Erik! What did you get in
trouble for this time?
ERIK
No, not this time! I’m just
standing post while my father’s
away at the war.
Wiglaf glances at him quizzically, but Erik avoids his eyes.
ERIK
Gods Ottar, what happened to you?
Messing with the wrong ladies
again?
OTTAR
Aye, definitely the wrong ladies.
WIGLAF
What war?
ERIK
So you’re all heroes now, I hear!
WIGLAF
What war?
Beowulf stops and looks Wiglaf in the eye.
BEOWULF
Swedes.
Wiglaf’s expression says it all: his worst fears come true.
EXT. GÖTABORG GUARDHOUSE - DAY
Atop the bluff a guardhouse opens onto a deserted courtyard
enclosed within high walls. Not the hero’s welcome they had
expected. Ottar is led away by two of Beowulf’s hired men.
INT. GÖTABORG HALL - DAY
The Great Hall is a rustic hovel compared to its Danish
counterpart, a simple yet sturdy structure designed primarily
for defense. Large, powerful, and well-stocked for war.
104
HEARDRED sits on the throne, drinking with a few friends. As
Beowulf enters, Heardred turns to greet them, but does not rise.
HEARDRED
So the great warrior returns.
A tense beat as Beowulf’s men glance at one another nervously.
HEARDRED
Welcome once more to your homeland
fair travelers! Hygelac, High King
of Geat-Land, greets you.
BEOWULF
Where is the King? And where has
Queen Hæreth been taken?
HEARDRED
(oozing sarcasm)
The King has gone away! I am
afraid the Queen's Protector has
been negligent in his service of
late, and the Queen, my “mother,”
has suffered ill for it yet again.
WIGLAF
Beowulf did not kill Queen Frida!
Her death was not his fault.
Heardred leaps to his feet, flushed with anger.
HEARDRED
Be still, Swede!
INTERCUT – FRIDA’S DEATH - FLASHBACK
QUEEN FRIDA falls from her horse, an arrow protruding through
her neck. Riding just ahead, Beowulf turns too late to prevent
the ambush as several dozen Swedes, led by ONGENTHEOW, close in.
BACK TO SCENE
Heardred glares down from the throne with manic intensity.
HEARDRED
Who are you to speak to me of my
mother’s death?
Wiglaf holds his gaze, defiant. A scullery boy no more.
105
HEARDRED
Had Beowulf performed his duties
she would still be alive today,
and my father would not have
married his precious Hæreth!
Beowulf clenches his teeth and stares at the floor, abashed and
racked with guilt. His lip quivers as emotions rage within.
Wiglaf gazes from one to the other.
HEARDRED
But stay! All is well. For perhaps
I shall have yet a third mother
ere this war is ended.
BEOWULF
What mean you by this?
HEARDRED
The King my father has captured
the Swedish Queen Elan, and the
Swedes have taken Queen Hæreth in
exchange. A fair trade, I’d say.
WIGLAF
How fares the battle? Have you
news of it?
HEARDRED
Aye, the rising sun proclaims it.
Do you not see? For all the world
is on fire!
BEOWULF
Come, away! We ride to war!
Beowulf and his men sweep out of the hall, followed by Erik.
EXT. GÖTABORG COURTYARD – DAY
Erik rushes up to Beowulf as he marches towards the stables.
ERIK
Let me ride with you!
BEOWULF
We go to war with the Swedes. The
battlefield is no place for a boy.
106
INT. STABLES – DAY
They enter a broad building where dozens of steeds are stabled.
Erik steps in front of Beowulf, stopping him in his tracks.
ERIK
It is my sister we ride to save!
BEOWULF
You must stay and guard the sea,
Erik. That is your post. Leave the
war for warriors.
He starts to walk away.
ERIK
How old were you, Beowulf?
Beowulf stops, but does not turn.
ERIK
How old were you when you fought
your first battle? How old were
you when first you fought to
avenge your kin?
Beowulf’s eyes wander far away.
EXT. SORROW HILL – DAY - FLASHBACK
YOUNG BEOWULF stands amidst a pile of dead Swedes, bloody sword
in hand. HALGA lies dead at his feet, pierced by a dozen arrows.
As the Swedes flee, Young Beowulf sees columns of smoke up in
the valley. He drops his sword and runs. YOUNG HÆRETH follows.
EXT. GÖTABORG RIVER VALLEY ROAD - DAY – FLASHBACK CONT’D
Young Beowulf races up the valley road through a scene of savage
destruction. On every side, loved-ones sob over fallen bodies.
EXT. BEOWULF'S FARM – DAY – FLASHBACK CONT’D
Beowulf approaches his own longhouse, its thatched roof ablaze.
In the yard he finds his mother, HÆLENA, bloody and dying. As
Beowulf cradles her in his arms, Hælena caresses his cheek.
HÆLENA
My son...you must learn to stand
on your own. You are a man...now.
107
BEOWULF
No, mother, I'll get the healer!
She'll mend the wound.
Hælena laughs painfully at this, coughing blood.
HÆLENA
Some wounds...cannot be healed.
He looks down and sees that she is holding her own guts in.
HÆLENA
I will tell your father...you
said...hello.
BEOWULF
No, mother, don't go! Please!
Please don't leave me....
Hæreth can only watch from a distance as Beowulf weeps openly.
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf turns to Erik, his expression grim.
ERIK
My heart yearns for vengeance,
Beowulf. I am old enough for that.
Beowulf turns to the STABLE-KEEPER.
BEOWULF
We need horses.
EXT. GÖTA RIVER VALLEY – DAY
Beowulf and his men ride hard through a lush river valley of
scattered farm settlements bordered by dense forests. Dark
clouds of carrion crows circle in the smoke-filled sky ahead.
Ottar, for obviously reasons, has not come on this venture.
EXT. RAVENSWOOD – DAY
THE SWEDES ride hard through the smoking remains of Ravenswood.
Hæreth, wrists bound, rides in the lead with Ongentheow, seated
before him. Othere, Oslaf, and Weohstan follow close behind.
EXT. GÖTA RIVER VALLEY – DAY
THE GEATS pass like raging thunder, eyes blazing.
108
EXT. RAVENSWOOD – DAY
THE SWEDES race towards the rocky outcrop of the Trollhight. At
Ongentheow’s signal he breaks left with a contingent while Onela
breaks away to the right. The main host holds to its course.
EXT. RAVEN’S MEADOW – DAY
THE GEATS slow as they enter Raven’s Meadow. Charred bodies lie
everywhere, impaled with spear, sword and arrow. The green grass
is stained red, the surrounding forest burnt black.
The BLARE OF WAR-HORNS is heard and they spur their steeds on.
EXT. TROLLHIGHT – DAY
HALDAR BLASTS HIS WAR-HORN from atop the outcrop.
HALDAR
They come!
A hundred swords are drawn as the Swedish cavalry approaches
below, WAR-HORNS BLARING in answer.
BASE OF OUTCROP
Led by Oslaf, the main Swedish division draw their swords, a
thousand strong, as they begin scaling the rocky Trollhight.
ABOVE
The Geats gape in wonder as the Swedish warhorses leap and
clamber upwards through the shale and scattered boulders below.
WONRED
They’re insane.
HALDAR
They’ll never make it.
The Geats draw their bows, heft their spears, and heave stones,
wreaking havoc on the clambering enemy, who just keep climbing.
HYGELAC
Where is Ongentheow?
As if in answer to his question, the flanking Swedish divisions
crash in from both sides, hurtling upward along the smoother
ridge rock. Ongentheow rides into battle using Hæreth as a
shield, slaying all before him. Hæreth is splashed with blood.
109
BELOW
As their horses falter, the Swedes below begin to dismount and
climb the remaining distance, swarming like ants up the anthill.
ABOVE
The Geats do their best to fend off the attack, but they are
vastly outnumbered. As more and more Swedes enter the fray, the
Geats are pressed back ever closer to the rocky ledge behind.
HYGELAC
Hold your ground, men! Stand
together! Forget not who you are!
Wonred, defending Hygelac, valiantly fights off two attackers,
but is finally cut down by both, leaving Hygelac’s back exposed.
Seeing this, Ongentheow lowers his spear and charges. Hæreth
screams as Hygelac crumples to his knees with three feet of
polished ash protruding from his stomach.
In a fury, Hæreth lunges backwards, smashing Ongentheow in the
nose and knocking them both to the ground.
With wrists still bound, Hæreth snatches up a sword lying nearby
and points it at Ongentheow, who rises slowly to his feet, blood
running from a broken nose. He laughs grimly at the sight.
ONGENTHEOW
Well, well, well. A fighter to the
end, eh?
HÆRETH
Fate favors the brave, they say.
ONGENTHEOW
Aye, right you are. And that would
be me!
Ongentheow swings suddenly, but Hæreth rolls aside as he does,
his blade barely missing her. She is on her feet again in an
instant, sword in hand. Unleashing her rage, she swings with all
she’s got, pressing him back and nearly disarming him.
ONGENTHEOW
Not bad for a little girl. I see
Boy-wolf has taught you well.
110
HÆRETH
I learned from the best.
But then he counters with a furious volley, nicking her on the
shoulder. She drops the sword. Ongentheow slips his blade behind
the ropes binding her hands and draws her close.
ONGENTHEOW
Ah, but regrettably it wasn’t good
enough, for either of you, was it?
HÆRETH
What do you mean?
ONGENTHEOW
I’m afraid your boyfriend won’t be
coming back to you after all. You
see, I sent my son to kill him.
HÆRETH
He’s... dead?
ONGENTHEOW
Aye, lass, that he is.
A DEEP GROWLING ROAR suddenly emanates from beyond the ridge,
echoed by others to either side. Huge boulders fly up from
below, CRASHING DOWN and crushing men where they stand.
WARRIORS
Trolls! Trolls are coming! Run!
The battle breaks up in confusion as men flee in all directions.
ONGENTHEOW
Stand your ground, men!
Suddenly the RAVEN flits up, swooping in. Ongentheow ducks,
pulling Hæreth closer, as-Beowulf and his men rise into view, swords and spears in hand.
Beowulf hurls an enormous boulder, taking out three Swedes.
HÆRETH
(relieved)
Beowulf!
BEOWULF
Right you are.
ONGENTHEOW
(incredulous)
Beowulf!
111
Hæreth pulls away from Ongentheow, cutting her bonds on his
sword blade as she does.
ONGENTHEOW
So we meet again.
BEOWULF
For the last time.
Beowulf attacks with a manic fury as his men rush into battle,
taking the disoriented Swedes by surprise.
Hrolf and Eofor come upon their fallen father. Hrolf goes into a
berserker rage, wreaking havoc with a war-hammer in one hand and
a battle-axe in the other. Eofor, however, collapses to his
knees at his father’s side, overcome with grief.
Erik sees Haldar and Hæreth hard
leaps on a stray steed and rides
broadsword and trampling several
horse and rushes to his family’s
pressed by several Swedes. He
the Swedes down, swinging his
underfoot. He leaps from the
side.
ERIK
Father! Sister! Thank the gods!
HALDAR
My son, come to manhood so soon.
A child no more!
They embrace quickly and together fight side by side.
Svein and Wiglaf take on Othere’s faction. Wiglaf notes Svein’s
moves and emulates them stroke for stroke. Svein is impressed.
But Wiglaf freezes as he comes face to face with Weohstan, their
swords locked together between them.
WEOHSTAN
Hello, son.
Svein keeps one eye on them from nearby as he fights Othere, who
also shows a vested interest, being Wiglaf’s first cousin.
WIGLAF
I can’t fight you, father.
WEOHSTAN
You must. As I must. We have both
sworn oaths that cannot be broken.
112
WIGLAF
But what of the bonds of kin and
clan? Do they mean nothing? How
can I choose one over the other?
WEOHSTAN
That you must decide for yourself.
Weohstan steps away and points his sword at Wiglaf.
WEOHSTAN
Choose.
Wiglaf stares at him in disbelief.
WEOHSTAN
Choose!
Wiglaf glances from his father to Beowulf and back again, torn.
But just then Svein and Othere step between them, Svein facing
Wiglaf while Othere holds Weohstan back.
SVEIN
Go.
Wiglaf hesitates, confused.
OTHERE
(Over shoulder to Wiglaf)
Go! Run, cousin!
Wiglaf backs away, stumbling over the bodies of the slain.
Meanwhile, Beowulf has pressed Ongentheow back to the edge of
the ridge, just as he had been before. Swinging relentlessly
again and again, he forces the aging King to his knees-BEOWULF
The strong survive...
--and knocks the blade from Ongentheow’s hands.
BEOWULF
...the weak perish.
Ongentheow watches his sword sail over the edge out of sight.
ONGENTHEOW
Not bad... for a farm boy.
113
Ongentheow catches sight of Othere standing with Svein and
Weohstan, and his eyes go dark. As Othere turns to face him-Ongentheow draws a dagger and lunges at Beowulf. But as he does,
Beowulf swings downward, sinking his sword into Ongentheow’s
helm. Ongentheow falls dead at his feet.
OTHERE
Fall back! Retreat! Retreat!
The Swedes, disordered and demoralized, flee in all directions.
ERIK
Come back, you cowards!
Hæreth rushes to Beowulf and they lock together in a passionate
embrace. Standing amidst the ravages of battle, blood-spattered
and bruised, they kiss with the intensity of unleashed emotions.
Beowulf’s men turn their eyes away, glancing at one another with
raised eyebrows. Erik and Haldar smile at one another knowingly.
Hæreth gazes into Beowulf’s eyes with adoration and wonder, as
if he had returned from the dead.
HÆRETH
I knew you’d come back for me.
BEOWULF
You know me better than I know
myself.
Over Hæreth’s shoulder, Beowulf sees the impaled Hygelac lying
fetal on the ground nearby, watching them through glassy eyes.
He extracts himself from Hæreth's clutch and goes slowly to
Hygelac's side.
HYGELAC
So you've returned... after all.
Beowulf stands over the dying king, staring down at him coldly.
HYGELAC
Grendel... is dead, then?
Beowulf nods grimly, muscles tensing.
HYGELAC
It seems I... misjudged you.
114
The pent-up rage breaks free and Beowulf spits on Hygelac.
BEOWULF
Go to Hel, you bastard! You sent
me away to die, just like you sent
my father away!
HYGELAC
I did... what I had to do.
BEOWULF
Why?! You're my own blood! My own
father's brother! Why did you take
him away from me? Why did you have
to take everything away from me?
Beowulf crumples to his knees, sobbing.
HYGELAC
To protect my own son.
BEOWULF
From me? But I am not your enemy!
HYGELAC
Everyone is the enemy of a king.
BEOWULF
I have sworn an oath to serve and
obey you. And I have. I would give
my life for your son if I must.
HYGELAC
Swear. Swear to serve my son, when
I am gone... as you have served
me... while I lived. Swear!
Hygelac coughs up blood.
BEOWULF
On my honor. This will I do.
HYGELAC
I'm sorry, Beowulf. Sorry for many
things. A mighty king... would you
have made... my sister-son.
Hygelac falls still. Hæreth lowers her head. It starts to rain.
The Raven looks down on the scene from atop a rocky pinnacle.
115
EXT. GÖTABORG HALL – DAY
The Geats march back to the Great Hall, bearing Hygelac’s body
on a stretcher of interlocked shields and spears.
EXT. GÖTABORG COURTYARD – DAY
Heardred watches the procession approach from a high window.
INT. GÖTABORG HALL - DAY
The Geats enter the hall, bedraggled and bloody. Ottar is there
to greet them, attended by several buxom nursemaids. As Heardred
rushes into the hall, Hæreth holds him back.
HEARDRED
Let me loose! Where is my father?
INTERCUT - NEWS OF ECGTHEOW'S DEATH - FLASHBACK
Hygelac hands Young Beowulf his father’s sword.
HYGELAC
Your father is dead...
BACK TO PRESENT
Beowulf can only stare numbly at Heardred.
HÆRETH
The King, your father, is dead.
HEARDRED
My father? Fallen?
Heardred gazes at the body, as if to make certain.
HEARDRED
Then... I am King.
Heardred reaches for the crown, but Hæreth stops him.
HÆRETH
No.
Heardred turns, perplexed.
HEARDRED
But I am his son. The crown now
passes to me.
116
Hæreth, the mother, speaks with compassion, as Hæreth, the
Queen, speaks with authority.
HÆRETH
You are young yet, Heardred, and
we are a nation at war. We must
have a strong leader now. Your
time will come.
Hæreth takes the crown from Hygelac's head and holds it up.
HÆRETH
Behold the throne of Geat-Land!
All eyes are on the Queen as she turns to Beowulf. Their eyes
meet. Behind them, Heardred glowers darkly.
HÆRETH
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, I offer
you this crown; throne, lands and
all. You have saved us in our hour
of despair and led us from certain
doom. Lead us now once more.
Beowulf scans the crowd: the faces anxious, looking to him for
leadership. In this moment he is more lost and alone than ever.
He turns back to Hæreth, knowing what this means for them both.
BEOWULF
No.
Hæreth stares, speechless, the crown still held in midair. The
space between them becomes an abyss.
BEOWULF
I cannot accept that which is not
mine to take, nor yours to give.
I swore an oath to serve Heardred.
The crown must go to him.
Heardred snatches the crown away.
HEARDRED
Fool! You not worthy to rule. A
true ruler takes what he wants,
whether it is given him or no.
Beowulf’s sword is at Heardred’s throat in an instant, thrust
through the center of the crown.
117
BEOWULF
Then I should kill you now? Is
that how you would have it?
Beowulf flicks the sword up, taking the crown with it.
BEOWULF
And why not? Who would stop me?
You? Hæreth? Erik? I think not.
Heardred's eyes are wide as Beowulf steps closer, sword in hand
-- then holds the crown out to him.
BEOWULF
Without law, there is only chaos.
A true leader takes only what is
rightfully his, and does for his
people only what is best for them.
Heardred grabs the crown possessively.
HEARDRED
And what do you know of that, you
who left your own land and King?
BEOWULF
Very little, it seems.
Heardred places the crown on his head and ascends the throne.
HEARDRED
As I am by blood the rightful king
of this clan. Each man of you must
now swear on your life with me to
stand or fall, else evermore will
you be an enemy of this crown, and
nevermore welcome in these lands!
He brandishes his sword with a flourish.
HEARDRED
Swear to me now, or depart hence
from this hall forevermore!
Beowulf bows on one knee before the throne.
BEOWULF
This do I swear by my life and
blood to obey.
118
The others follow suit. Beowulf stands and salutes the new king.
BEOWULF
Hail Heardred, King of Geat-Land!
The cheer is less than enthusiastic, but Heardred is pleased.
HEARDRED
Now let there be feasting! Bring
food and wine. Tonight we shall
rival the gods for joy!
Beowulf glances at Hæreth, but she turns and walks away. Erik
and Haldar look at one another apprehensively.
EXT. UPSALA – DAY
The defeated Swedish army returns to Upsala, bearing their own
fallen king. Onela watches from atop the wall as Othere leads
the procession through the gates below.
Beside him, Unferth stands motionless, wearing full-face helmet.
Below the faceplate we can see that one cheek is badly burned.
Othere glances up at them darkly as he passes by below.
UNFERTH
Beowulf.
ONELA
Kill him.
UNFERTH
Yes, Lord.
It's unclear just who he means.
INT. GÖTABORG HALL – NIGHT
The revelries are in full swing as the Geats celebrate their
battle victory and the crowning of a new king with drink and
song and boasts of heroic exploits.
ERIK
You should have seen it, Ottar. It
was a beautiful thing!
WIGLAF
He took a sword right to the head!
It was brutal.
119
OTTAR
Ah, I wish I could have been
there, lads. But these here lasses
been keeping me good company.
Ottar is pampered and spoon-fed from either side.
SVEIN
I'm sure they have!
OTTAR
Should have lost me arm earlier.
Nearby, Haldar comforts Hrolf and Eofor.
HALDAR
Your father took down ten men
before he fell! You should be
right proud to bear his blood.
Hrolf beams with pride, but Eofor sinks deeper into darkness.
Heardred sits on the throne, decked out in his father’s sable
furs. Hæreth, beside him, is resplendent in crimson and gold.
HEARDRED
A toast to our victory!
Rousing cheers and gulps of ale all around. Heardred has had
more than his share already.
HEARDRED
And to Beowulf’s return. Come,
tell us of your adventure!
Beowulf comes forward, followed by several of his men bearing a
good share of their treasure, which they set before the throne.
BEOWULF
All this gold good Hrothgar gave
as our reward. We give it now to
you, in honor of your kingship.
HEARDRED
Our thanks for these rich gifts,
great warriors. But all this gold
would I give for just one glimpse
of Grendel’s arm! Tell us how you
rid the Danes of Hrothgar’s Bane!
120
Beowulf reaches beneath his tunic and draws out a necklace
strung with Grendel’s claws, holding it up for all to see.
BEOWULF
Then behold! For here are the very
claws that came groping in the
night at Heorot!
Everyone leans in, gasping in awe.
BEOWULF
Here is all that now remains of
the fiend which slew my father and
my good friend Hondscio, whom you
all knew. Grendel dragged them
down into the cold earth where now
they lie. So for glory.
Beowulf tosses the heavy necklace onto the high table, where it
lands with a LOUD THUD in front of Heardred and Hæreth, who
start back in surprise, gaping at them in amazement.
HEARDRED
But tell us of the ogre battle!
BEOWULF
That song I shall leave for
Widsith here to sing.
Beowulf bows and turns away. Hæreth watches with sympathetic
eyes as he exits the hall. Widsith steps forward, harp in hand.
WIDSITH
Three days did they sail, and far
did they fare, fourteen men with
Beowulf, over the whale’s wide
way; until at last at end of day,
heaven’s golden jewel settled into
slumber, and the world into
darkness fell...
Beowulf's men beam with pride, reveling in their moment of fame.
EXT. GÖTABORG COURTYARD – NIGHT
Beowulf exits the hall alone. He pauses in the courtyard, as if
willing himself to go on, then marches resolutely up into the
valley beyond.
121
EXT. BEOWULF’S FARM – NIGHT
Beowulf slows as he approaches the ghostly shadows of his
abandoned homestead. He stops before a small stone marker rising
at one end of a grassy mound. On it is carved the name HÆLENA.
A comet flashes across the night sky and Beowulf glances up the
road to where a dim light faintly flickers in the window of a
distant farmhouse. He takes a deep breath and starts toward it.
HÆRETH (OS)
Would you like me to go with you?
Beowulf turns to find Hæreth standing there. He glances back
towards the farmhouse, then turns again to Hæreth.
BEOWULF
Alright.
The two set off up the road, passing wordlessly through a dark,
silent land as the Aurora Borealis shimmers on the horizon.
EXT. HONDSCIO’S LONGHOUSE – NIGHT
At the front door Beowulf hesitates, steeling himself to the
task, but unable to act. After a moment, Hæreth softly knocks.
The door opens slowly to reveal a weeping Hannah. Hæreth rushes
in to embrace her.
INT. HONDSCIO’S LONGHOUSE – NIGHT
Hondscio's home is humble and rustic, but warm and homey.
HÆRETH
I’m so sorry, Hannah. I would have
come sooner...
HANNAH
I’m just glad you’re home safe. I
couldn’t bear losing you as well.
Over Hæreth’s shoulder Hannah sees Beowulf standing outside.
HANNAH
Come in, Beowulf. Come inside.
Beowulf enters hesitantly. He glances around nervously, seeing
signs of Hondscio everywhere. His gaze comes to rest at last on
Hannah's swollen belly, and a tear rolls slowly down his cheek.
122
BEOWULF
I’m sorry, Hannah. I'm so sorry!
It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t
have let him to go. I couldn’t
protect him! I couldn’t save him!
I'm sorry. Please forgive me!
Beowulf crumples to his knees, weeping.
HANNAH
It’s not your fault, Beowulf. He
would have gone anyway. He would
have followed you anywhere.
BEOWULF
No, he didn’t want to go, Hannah.
He wouldn’t say it, but I knew it.
The whole time all he thought
about was you.
HANNAH
Well, I suppose that’s the price
you pay for falling in love with a
fighting man.
BEOWULF
My whole life all I wanted was to
be a warrior, to fight for fame
and glory. All Hondscio ever
wanted was a farm and fields to
tend, and I scoffed at him for it.
How I envy him now.
Hannah smiles sadly. Beowulf stands and looks her in the eye.
BEOWULF
I’ll take care of you now, Hannah.
I’ll take care of you both. I
promise.
Hæreth shifts uncomfortably, glancing from one to the other with
a mix of bewilderment and jealousy.
EXT. UPSALA COURTYARD – DAY
Onela’s eyes burn with fierce envy as Othere is ceremoniously
crowned before a large gathering of Swedes. With Othere are his
wife and two young sons: EANMUND, 10, and EADGILS, 8.
123
EXT. SORROW HILL – DAY
Several fresh barrow mounds now stand out on the bluff.
INT. BEOWULF’S FARM – SMITHY – DAY
Beowulf hangs up his sword and shield, gazes at them
momentarily, then takes up a scythe and begins sharpening it.
EXT. BEOWULF’S FARM / HANNAH’S FARM - DAY - MONTAGE
Beowulf tends both Hannah’s farm and his own, plowing fields,
harvesting crops, repairing outbuildings and tools, and feeding
the pigs. He works at an anvil, beating hot iron into shape.
Hannah, cradling her newborn child, brings him water to drink.
INT. HANNAH’S LONGHOUSE – NIGHT - MONTAGE
Old friends share a simple meal. Ottar eats with renewed vigor.
Beowulf makes fun of Wiglaf’s meager attempt to grow a beard.
Svein and Hannah exchange warm glances as he cuddles her child.
Hæreth quietly watches them.
EXT. SORROW HILL – WINTER - DAY
The burial mounds are now covered in a thick blanket of snow.
EXT. GÖTABORG RAMPARTS – DAY
Hæreth, wrapped in white furs, gazes out at the frozen harbor,
her face a sea of turmoil. She turns as Erik approaches.
ERIK
Heardred will attack the Swedes.
Hæreth frowns and hurriedly departs.
INT. GÖTABORG HALL - DAY
The King's council members are gathered around a map of the
Swedish peninsula. Among them are Haldar, Hrolf and Eofor.
Heardred has assumed his new role with great eagerness.
HEARDRED
Ongentheow is dead. Othere is now
King of the Swedes. But he is weak
and their people divided. If we
attack now we can catch them off
guard, before they have time to
unite.
124
HALDAR
But we have lost many men, my
Lord. Our army is small.
EOFOR
And winter is hard upon us. We
must wait for the Spring.
HEARDRED
If we don't strike back now, every
clan in the region will see us as
cowards, and we will face not only
the Swedes, but the Saxons, the
Goths, the Finns and the Frisians.
If we defeat them now, we will be
undisputed rulers of this region.
The word “coward” hits Eofor hard.
HROLF
But, my Lord, we have not the men
both to attack and defend.
HEARDRED
Then we attack.
HALDAR
If we are defeated we will lose
the lands we now hold.
HEARDRED
We will not be defeated, so long
as we have Beowulf on our side.
HALDAR
But will he fight? He is not the
same since his return.
HEARDRED
He has sworn allegiance. He must
fight. As must you all.
BEOWULF (OS)
I will not attack the Swedes.
Beowulf stands in the doorway with Wiglaf, Erik and Hæreth.
HEARDRED
I command it!
125
BEOWULF
I agree, my Lord, that we must
prove to the Swedes we are a
powerful nation. But if we are to
live in peace we must be to them a
powerful ally, not an enemy.
HEARDRED
I do not want to live in peace
with the Swedes! I want to crush
them into oblivion! I want revenge
for my mother's death!
HÆRETH
If we attack now, Heardred, they
will only retaliate later. We must
end the feud here.
HEARDRED
They killed my father! Our king!
BEOWULF
And we have killed theirs. Where
does it end? I have seen enough of
death and bloodshed in the past
months to last me a lifetime. I
want no more.
A HORN BLAST from outside disrupts the proceedings.
EXT. GÖTABORG COURTYARD – DAY
A SENTRY calls down from the guard tower as they enter.
SENTRY
Riders! Two riders approaching!
They quickly ascend to the battlements, where several Guards
train their bows on two blonde-haired horsemen.
SENTRY
Halt!
As they draw up outside the gates we see it is Othere’s sons.
They are shivering with cold and breathing in ragged heaves.
SENTRY
Who are you, and what is your
errand in this land?
126
EANMUND
I am Eanmund. This is Eadgils, my
brother. We are the sons of
Othere.
HEARDRED
Kill them!
The archers draw their bowstrings taut.
BEOWULF
No! Hold your fire! Do not shoot!
The bowmen hesitate. Heardred turns on Beowulf in a rage.
HEARDRED
How dare you contradict my orders!
(to the Archers)
I command you to shoot!
BEOWULF
Lower your weapons! Do not fire!
The archers lower their bows. Heardred grimaces at Beowulf.
HEARDRED
You will pay for this.
Beowulf ignores him, turning back to the riders.
BEOWULF
Why have you come into this land?
EADGILS
We seek refuge.
BEOWULF
Refuge from what?
EANMUND
From Onela. He has slain our
father and taken the throne.
Only Beowulf is not surprised by this.
EADGILS
Please let us enter! We have
ridden far and eaten nothing for
many days.
127
EANMUND
We are cold and tired and I fear
my brother is sick with fever.
BEOWULF
Let them in.
The gates are opened and the riders led in and given cloaks.
Beowulf rushes to meet them, the others following close behind.
BEOWULF
Welcome to Geatland. I am Beowulf.
Eanmund dismounts and bows, but Eadgils slumps on his pony.
EANMUND
Thank you, my Lord.
BEOWULF
(to Wiglaf)
Take Eadgils to the Healer’s hut.
Tell Ægnir to give him food and
tend him well.
WIGLAF
Aye, my Lord!
Wiglaf takes the pony’s reigns and leads Eadgils away.
BEOWULF
(to Eanmund)
Come with me.
Beowulf leads Eanmund into the hall as the others follow.
Heardred glowers at being relegated to second in command.
INT. GÖTABORG HALL – DAY
Eanmund is seated near the fire and given hot stew and mead,
which he ravages. Heardred takes his seat on the throne with a
flourish, attempting to regain some semblance of control.
HEARDRED
Now that we have humored you,
please enlighten us with the
details of your plight.
Eanmund glances uncertainly from Heardred to Beowulf.
128
HEARDRED
I am Heardred, King of Geat-Land!
Do as I command, for you tread
uncertain ground.
EANMUND
Yes, my Lord.
Eanmund wipes a dirty hand across a dirty face.
EANMUND
When my father came to the throne,
he announced his intent to end the
feud between our clans. This he
would do by offering one of his
own sons to a bride of Geatish
blood, if such was the will of
your people.
INT. UPSALA HALL – DAY - FLASHBACK
Othere sits on the Swedish throne, surrounded by his council.
There is clearly a heated debate raging, but we cannot hear it.
EANMUND (VO)
This did not meet with much
approval from the council. But he
persisted, and would not give in
to Onela’s demands for vengeance.
EXT. UPSALA COURTYARD – NIGHT - FLASHBACK CONT'D
Puffs of breath emanate from a source hidden in shadow, mingling
with the falling snow.
EANMUND (VO)
Unable to persuade my father to
invade Geat-Land, my uncle decided
to overthrow him instead.
Othere emerges from the hall into the courtyard.
EANMUND (VO)
Five nights ago as my father was
coming home, he was waylaid by
Onela and his Danish henchman.
Unferth steps from the shadows and grabs Othere as he passes by,
covering his mouth tightly and dragging him into darkness.
129
BACK TO SCENE
Beowulf grimaces, glancing at his men.
BEOWULF
Unferth.
EXT. UPSALA – DAWN - FLASHBACK CONT'D
The pitch black night gives way to a blood-red dawn.
EANMUND (VO)
Next morning we were greeted with
a grisly sight, for my father had
been given as an offering to Odin.
The sun breaks over a snow-covered barrow mound outside the
walls of Upsala. Atop it, Othere has been staked spread-eagle,
his stomach sliced open as a feast for crows, which squawk and
flit away as Othere’s sons rush out to him, wailing.
The young boys fall to their knees at his side, weeping openly.
OTHERE
Go...to Geats. Seek help. Beowulf.
Othere dies as HORNS BLARE OUT. The boys flee into the forest.
BACK TO SCENE
Eanmund brushes back tears. The Geats are stunned into silence.
BEOWULF
Gather the men.
INT. UPSALA HALL – DAY
Onela, wearing the crown, reclines upon the throne. He kicks his
feet up on the table, sending bones and bread crusts flying.
Nearby, Unferth chugs a mug of ale and gives a loud belch, his
face now a mass of half-healed scar tissue.
UNFERTH
More ale, wench!
A buxom lass fills his cup, bending low as she does. Aroused by
her cleavage, Unferth gropes a breast, causing her to spill ale
in his lap. He roars and forces her head down into his crotch.
130
UNFERTH
Lap it up, she-dog!
Onela, on the other end, likes what he sees as well. He sticks a
hand between her legs, causing her to jerk upright, smashing the
ale cup into Unferth face.
UNFERTH
Bitch!
Enraged, Unferth buries a dagger into her stomach. As the wideeyed girl crumples to the ground, Onela bursts out in hysterical
laughter. Unferth, his lip bleeding, follows suit.
A SCOUT enters, out of breath.
SCOUT
My Lord, the Geats are crossing
through the lake country!
Onela is out of his seat and sober in an instant.
ONELA
As expected.
EXT. LAKE VÆNÍR – DAY
A frozen lake lies nestled in a tranquil valley. The Geats stand
on the western shore of a broad inlet, surveying the scene.
Heardred sits astride his father's charger, dressed in his
father's war-gear. Everything is just slightly too big for him.
HEARDRED
Make camp here! I want sentries
posted every ten feet!
The men make only tentative motions to obey. Beowulf hefts a
large boulder and hurls it out onto the ice. It lands with a
thud and skids across the surface, but does not break through.
BEOWULF
This will do. Deploy the men.
HROLF & EOFOR
Aye, Captain!
Hrolf & Eofor each lead a team out onto the ice, one bearing
left, the other right. They carry small casks of oil, which they
pour out as they walk. The others now set about pitching camp.
131
EXT. LAKE COUNTRY - DAY
The Swedes ride hard through snow-covered highlands, whipping
drifts into shimmering crystal rainbows as they pass.
EXT. RIDGE ABOVE LAKE VÆNÍR - DUSK
As the sun sinks low, the Swedes crest a ridge and draw up
short. The Geat encampment is lit up with torches and campfires
in the valley below. There are far more tents than necessary.
WEOHSTAN
They can’t possibly have that many
men left.
UNFERTH
They don’t.
ONELA
They’re expecting us.
Onela spurs his steed forward.
EXT. FOREST EAVES - NORTH SHORE - DUSK
Hrolf and his men crouch under cover of the forest on the north
side of the lake. The Geat camp is visible from where they are.
They see Beowulf draw his sword.
HROLF
Get ready.
EXT. FOREST EAVES - SOUTH SHORE - DUSK
Eofor and his contingent wait across the lake from Hrolf's men.
DISTANT HOOF-BEATS are heard, growing to a THUNDEROUS GALLOP.
Eofor shuts his eyes, offering a silent prayer to his gods,
trying to summon up the courage to act.
EXT. LAKE VÆNÍR - DUSK
Beowulf and his men move out onto the ice, as across the lake-The Swedish cavalry burst onto the eastern shore, breaking to
left and right. A third contingent, led by Onela, race straight
ahead onto the ice. They easily outnumber the Geats ten to one.
OTTAR
Is that all they’ve got? Pshaw!
That’s nothing.
132
ERIK
Yeah, ten men for each of us, no
problem!
Onela's contingent thunder straight towards them. Heardred,
watching them come, stands frozen with fear, war-horn in hand.
Beowulf walks forward slowly towards them, alone, sword in hand.
HROLF and EOFOR each watch Beowulf from their respective points.
The divided Swedish contingents draw closer to them as they race
around the shoreline.
Beowulf raises his sword as Onela's men close in. Svein takes
the war-horn from Heardred's frozen hand as-Beowulf slams his sword into the ice, burying the blade. The ice
cracks along the sword edge, spreading out in either direction.
The Raven flits in, landing on the pommel of Beowulf's sword.
BEOWULF
It ends here, father.
THE RAVEN CAWS as Svein BLASTS A WAILING NOTE on the war-horn.
Hrolf and Eofor leap from their hiding places, SCREAMING WILDLY,
heading off the flanking Swedish divisions with surprise
attacks, cutting them down with a barrage of spears and arrows.
Onela bears down on Beowulf, who stands firm, staring grimly.
Just as Onela reaches him, Beowulf rips his sword from the ice
and swings with all he's got. BLADES CRASH TOGETHER as Onela's
horse sinks beneath him, breaking through the ice. Onela sails
over Beowulf's head, skidding across the ice.
Beowulf's men rush in to battle Onela's dispersed cavalry, half
of whom are now flailing in frozen water.
Meanwhile, the Swedish contingents facing Hrolf and Eofor break
up in disarray as they are forced out onto the lake, where their
steeds collide and lose footing on the ice.
Eofor is grim as he wades through them swinging his broadsword.
Seeing this from a distance, Hrolf does a surprised double-take.
Across the lake, Onela is back on his feet, facing Beowulf.
Beowulf draws a line in the ice between them with his sword.
BEOWULF
No further.
133
Onela stares at him as if he were insane.
BEOWULF
You can live in peace on that side
of the line, if you choose. Cross
it, and you will die. Your choice.
ONELA
Still daddy's little farm boy,
aren't you? Dreaming of cows and
pigs while nations rise and fall
around you. The thing about lines
is...
Onela wipes a boot across the line and draws another further in.
ONELA
...they move.
Onela swings, stepping across the invisible line, but Beowulf
easily blocks his blow. They lock swords and gazes.
BEOWULF
So be it. Now I will finish what
you started.
Beowulf swings, pummeling Onela again and again, forcing him
back with each blow until Onela is backed up to the edge of the
icy water. Beowulf draws a new line where he now stands.
BEOWULF
Nowhere to go from here but down.
Beowulf’s sword arcs down passing cleanly through Onela’s neck.
As the head tilts from the body, its mouth seems to cry out-OSLAF (OS)
Fire!
The TWANG OF BOWSTRINGS jars Beowulf back to reality and he sees
that the Swedes have regrouped at the center of the lake and are
firing outward on the surrounding Geats. He also sees that--- Weohstan has a taut bow trained on Heardred.
-- Unferth is aiming a bow at him.
BEOWULF
Heardred!
134
But too late. The arrow sails SLOW-MOTION, hitting Heardred in
the chest, while Beowulf takes an arrow to the shoulder. Both
fall to the ground. Beowulf scrambles to Heardred's side.
BEOWULF
Heardred!
Heardred gazes down at the arrow protruding from his chest, then
up at Beowulf, his eyes glassy.
HEARDRED
I just wanted... to be like...
you.
Heardred dies, leaving Beowulf alone with his guilt. Beowulf
rises, turning a dark gaze on Unferth, who attempts to notch
another arrow, but fumbles it as Beowulf advances on him.
Weohstan, however, has his bow already trained on Beowulf.
Seeing this, Wiglaf races towards Weohstan, spear in hand.
WIGLAF
NO!!!
Weohstan turns his bow on the charging figure, but seeing his
own son, hesitates. Their eyes meet. The arrow is aimed dead on,
but Weohstan doesn’t shoot as Wiglaf runs him through.
WIGLAF
(weeping)
I’m sorry, father. I had to.
WEOHSTAN
I’m proud of you, my son. You have
not broken you oath. There is...
honor in that. Do not forget.
Meanwhile, a half dozen arrows hit Eofor at the fore of his men,
but he keeps fighting, slaying everything in his path, until at
last he falls. Hrolf screams as he rushes to Eofor’s side.
EOFOR
I didn’t run.
HROLF
No, you didn’t.
EOFOR
I should have.
135
They share a final laugh as Eofor coughs blood and dies.
HROLF
Yes, you should.
Unferth draws his sword just in time to block Beowulf’s blow.
The force of it sends Unferth reeling. Beowulf is on him in a
second, and Unferth barely manages to block or avoid each blow.
With a mighty swing, Beowulf shears Unferth’s sword in two.
Unferth stares at the severed hilt in his hand.
BEOWULF
Now will you pay for your sins,
Unferth Mar-Peace. Too long have
you plotted your treachery. Too
many crimes have you committed
against good men. But no more.
Unferth drops the sword hilt and backs away frantically.
UNFERTH
I’m just a servant! I was only
doing as I was commanded! Onela
ordered me to kill you!
Unferth falls and scrambles backwards across the ice as Beowulf
advances steadily, swinging with every step, hacking into the
ice, barely missing Unferth, sending crystal shards flying.
BEOWULF
Did Hrothgar command you to kill
Æschere? Did he order you to burn
his own hall? Were you told to
slay your own brother?
Unferth stops struggling, slumping to the ice in a sobbing heap.
UNFERTH
I didn’t mean to kill him. I
didn’t mean to. I'm sorry, Ulrik.
As Beowulf raises his sword for the final blow, Unferth gazes up
and in his eyes is a look of utter regret and resignation. The
blade arcs down-Unferth doesn’t flinch as the blade sinks into the ice barely an
inch from his head. The two men eye one another intently.
136
BEOWULF
I’ll not give you a hero’s death.
You will die alone and in shame.
A crack in the ice begins to spread from Beowulf’s sword, inward
towards the center of the lake. He turns back to the battle,
seeing his men falling all around.
BEOWULF
Fall back! Fall back! Retreat!
Svein BLARES THE WAR-HORN and the Geats flee back to shore in
all directions. The Swedes pursue, but-As the Geats reach their encampment, the oil-soaked tents are
set alight. Flames race outward in either direction, following
the path of spilled oil around the lake.
The Swedes race back towards the eastern shore as the flames
encircle them from either side, cutting off escape. Many leap
through the flames, only to be cut down by the waiting Geats.
A spider-web of fractures race across the ice as it melts. The
trapped Swedes break through, floundering in the frigid water,
its surface covered in burning oil.
Unferth, trapped on an ice floe, screams as it melts away around
him, leaving him flailing in fire and ice.
Beowulf falls to his knees, aghast with horror at the sight.
Then all around him the Geats begin to cheer as they realize
their incredible victory, praising the man responsible.
GEATS
Beowulf! Beowulf! Beowulf!
INT. GÖTABORG HALL – DAY
The cry carries over to a crowd packed into Götaborg Hall.
GEATS
Beowulf! Beowulf! Beowulf!
Beowulf stands before them, in front of the throne, dressed in
sable furs and silver. Hæreth steps forward and holds the crown
up for all to see.
HÆRETH
Behold, the crown of Geat-Land!
137
The crowd falls silent.
HÆRETH
Forged for Swerting in days long
sped. One man only now remains
among his heirs, last in lineage,
yet not least in worth!
Hæreth turns to Beowulf.
HÆRETH
Son of Hælena, Hrethel’s heir, I
name you now King Beowulf, Lord of
all Geat-Land!
Hæreth places the crown on his head as the crowds cheers.
HÆRETH
Bow before your King!
The people kneel as one, Hæreth included.
BEOWULF
Good my people! Rise, and stand
united!
They stand. Hæreth bows low and moves off to one side.
BEOWULF
Long have we dwelt upon these
shores in the shadow of our enemy,
and little have we known of peace.
Many have we lost and long has
been our sorrow. But no more!
The crowd is hushed, expectant, uncertain how this will go.
BEOWULF
No more now shall we bow in fear,
waiting for the sword to fall!
From this day forth will we be as
one with our kindred cousins.
Beowulf indicates Eanmund and Eadgils, standing with Wiglaf.
BEOWULF
May there be lasting peace between
our peoples forevermore.
138
EANMUND
On my honor I swear, so shall it
be, so long as I live and rule.
BEOWULF
If ever again you are in need of
aid, you need only send us summons
and we will do what good we may.
EADGILS
For this we thank you. May you
reign well, and live in peace.
BEOWULF
Now shall we revel and rejoice!
At Beowulf’s signal, servants open a chest filled with gold and
begin hurling it into the crowd. The people go wild with cheers.
GEATS
Beowulf! Beowulf! Beowulf!
Beowulf gazes at the sight before him: his clan, his kin, his
people, and revels in the glory of the moment. He turns to
Hæreth with a smile, which she returns wholeheartedly. He holds
out his hand and she takes it, standing close at his side.
PRIESTESS (VO)
With the blessing of Odin I bind
you now, together as one for all
time -EXT. FOREST TEMPLE - NIGHT
Beowulf and Hæreth stand before a PRIESTESS at a snow-covered
altar in a starlit circle of rune-carved standing stones.
PRIESTESS
-- never more to part in this
world.
The Priestess wraps a strip of embroidered cloth around their
joined hands.
PRIESTESS
In Freya’s name, blessed be.
Beowulf and Hæreth kiss passionately.
139
PRIESTESS
In these bonds be joyous, in your
union strong, and may your bodies
bear the fruit of many sons.
SVEIN
Hear, hear!
Svein stands close beside Hannah. The small gathering of friends
and relatives laugh and applaud as they kiss again.
EXT. BARROW FIELDS - NIGHT
The barrow mounds lie silent and still under a blanket of snow,
a field of undulating blue. A DARK FIGURE appears, its shadow
rising and falling over the mounds as it weaves unsteadily among
them. The distorted shadow looks very much like Grendel.
It stops, listening to the DISTANT SOUND OF MERRY REVELING from
the nearby hall and village, then moves on.
EXT. EAGLE’S CLIFF - NIGHT
Beyond the barrow field a wide shelf of rock breaks up an
expanse of cliff that drops to the sea below. Hot springs bubble
out of a stone archway in the rising cliffs behind, sealed by a
stone door which lies askew and partly obscured by overgrowth.
The DARK FIGURE stumbles to the hot springs, wet and shivering,
hovering over it for warmth. Dark hair hangs matted over his
face and his clothes are tattered and burnt.
He moves warily toward the dark archway, pushing foliage aside.
Glancing furtively behind as he enters, we see it is Unferth.
EXT. GÖTABORG HALL - RAMPARTS - NIGHT
Beowulf and Hæreth stand together gazing at the starry sky,
listening to the SOUNDS OF CELEBRATION drifting up from village
below. A shooting star flashes across the sky.
BEOWULF
Dragon fire.
HÆRETH
Perhaps it is an omen.
BEOWULF
Perhaps.
140
They gaze down at the drunken revels in the streets below.
HÆRETH
These are your children now,
Beowulf. You must protect them
with your strength, and nurture
them with your wisdom.
BEOWULF
Strength enough I may have, but of
wisdom I am not so certain.
HÆRETH
You are a hero to these people.
They will look to you for
guidance, and they will follow
wherever you lead.
BEOWULF
Hæreth, I have seen the fall of
five kings in as many months, and
neither my strength nor my wisdom
were sufficient to prevent it.
HÆRETH
Yet you have succeeded where those
before you failed. Always you have
been a leader of men, Beowulf. Why
now do you doubt yourself?
BEOWULF
Because the price of my success
has always been another man's
suffering. Men may have followed
me, Hæreth, but I have never led
them.
HÆRETH
Often we must do for others that
which we would not do for
ourselves. Sometimes we must
suffer that others will not.
She lowers her eyes to avoid the sudden scrutiny of his gaze.
HÆRETH
I had a duty to my people Beowulf.
For me there was no choice.
141
BEOWULF
What would you have chosen, had
you been free to do so?
HÆRETH
Do you not know?
BEOWULF
How can I? You promised to love me
alone for all time.
HÆRETH
I have not broken that vow.
BEOWULF
Yet you wed another.
HÆRETH
Hygelac was my King. I did as I
was commanded to do. That is all.
She turns her head to hide the tears, but he lifts her chin.
BEOWULF
There is always a choice. But it
was I who made the wrong one. I
should never have left your side.
I told you I wasn't very wise.
HÆRETH
Perhaps we both made the wrong
choice. Do you still love me then?
BEOWULF
I'd slay a dragon for you.
They embrace, kissing passionately.
INT. TUNNEL ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Unferth moves slowly through a dark tunnel, lit by flickering
light from up ahead. His eyes grow brighter as he draws closer,
until he stops, staring in wonder, bathed in a golden glow.
INT. DRAGON’S LAIR - NIGHT
Before Unferth a large cavern opens out, lit by a pool of
burning water, its flames reflected in the golden coins and
sparkling jewels of an enormous treasure hoard.
142
Atop the hoard a RED DRAGON lies sleeping, its spiked tail
curling around the pile. Tendrils of smoke rise from its
nostrils and slavering drool drips from its fanged jaws.
Unferth creeps cautiously around the edge of the pool, past the
decayed remains of others who came before. He stoops to pick up
a jewel-encrusted chalice, but as he does the dragon stirs.
Unferth freezes, eyes wide with fear. Sweat trickles down his
mangled face, but he doesn’t move an inch.
The dragon shifts its great bulk, snuggling deeper into the
hoard. Its tail curls around the pile, whipping past Unferth’s
head. Slowly, the dragon's breath becomes regular again.
Unferth exhales with relief and turns to go, but trips on a
skeleton’s extended leg, sprawling headlong with a LOUD CRASH.
A GOLDEN EYE SNAPS OPEN. The dragon raises up to tower twenty
feet above the cowering Unferth. It ROARS and SLAMS A CLAWED
FOOT into the golden pile, shaking the cavern and sending
treasure flying. Unferth scrambles to escape, slipping and
sliding in panic on the loose surface. The room ERUPTS IN FLAME.
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
Beowulf and Hæreth are wrapped in a naked embrace, the
candlelight casting a golden glow over their bronze skin.
BEOWULF
So we are together at last,
after all. I thought never to...
She places a finger on his lips.
HÆRETH
The past is gone, Beowulf. What’s
to come is not known. This moment
is all that matters.
BEOWULF
I’ll love you always, Hæreth. For
all of time.
HÆRETH
Always and forever.
Flames dance around them, washing over their bodies as they make
love, growing in intensity until they are entirely consumed.
143
EXT. EAGLE’S CLIFF - NIGHT
THE DRAGON BURSTS FROM THE BARROW in an EXPLOSION OF FIRE and
STONE, soaring into the night sky on outstretched wings.
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
The lovers are lying together in a warm embrace, when suddenly
the DRAGON’S ROAR echoes through the room. Beowulf leaps up and
rushes to the window.
EXT. GÖTABORG VILLAGE - NIGHT
The DRAGON SWOOPS DOWN, engulfing the village in a FIERY RAGE.
People flee their burning homes in panic, only to be attacked by
the dragon. Several men toss water on the roaring flames, but
are consumed in a bout of fire. A man plunges a burning arm into
a barrel of water, only to be devoured in the dragon's jaws.
ARCHERS rush to the battlements, firing in rapid succession as
the dragon soars by. But the barrage of arrows only bounce off
the scaly hide. Two men are wrenched skyward in the dragon's
claws, then dropped into the fiery blaze below.
INT. HÆRETH’S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
Beowulf leaps aside as the dragon soars straight at the window,
BLASTING FIRE.
EXT. GÖTABORG HALL - NIGHT
Rushing out of the burning hall, sword in hand and half naked,
Beowulf can only watch helplessly as the dragon soars away in
the night. Hæreth is right behind him, wrapped in fur robes.
EXT. GÖTABORG VILLAGE RUINS - DAWN
Glowing embers merge with the crimson light of dawn as shafts of
sunlight break through the black skeleton of the great hall,
illuminating the charred ruins of the devastated village.
INT. GÖTABORG HALL RUINS - DAWN
Beowulf stands alone at the burnt remains of a window casement,
gazing out. The golden crown rests heavy upon his furrowed brow.
He lifts a hand from the blackened sill, gazing at it silently,
then turns to face his assembled men, several of whom are
bandaged and burned.
144
BEOWULF
Summon the blacksmith.
The men glance at one another uncertainly.
EXT. SVEIN’S BLACKSMITH SHOP - DAY
Svein and Wiglaf work at a forge and anvil, crafting an enormous
iron-covered shield. Flames flare up around glowing shafts of
steel as Wiglaf pumps the bellows. Sweat sizzles and steams as
it drips onto the molten metal that Svein beats into shape.
Beowulf stands nearby with Hæreth, their expressions grim.
Hannah brings Svein water to drink and there is a sweet, private
moment between them as he thanks her. Wiglaf clears his throat.
HANNAH
Oh, sorry.
She smiles, embarrassed, as she hands the pitcher to Wiglaf.
Wiglaf rolls his eyes. Beowulf and Hæreth can’t help but laugh.
Svein hefts the huge shield, a masterwork of craftsmanship,
dipping it in water, then handing it to Beowulf for inspection.
SVEIN
It's surely too heavy still.
BEOWULF
No, it's fine. But I'll need
thicker padding on the brace. And
a second strap here should the
first one fail.
SVEIN
Aye, my Lord.
Svein turns back to his work.
BEOWULF
It's good work, Svein. Best I've
ever seen.
Svein simply nods, an unspoken understanding.
INT. ARMORY – DAY
Wiglaf helps Beowulf don chain-mail and scale leather armor.
145
BEOWULF
Should anything happen to me,
promise you’ll look after Hæreth.
WIGLAF
Yes, my lord.
BEOWULF
For me, Wiglaf.
WIGLAF
I will. I promise. But what are
you worried about? It would take
ten dragons to kill you!
BEOWULF
(dead serious)
I’ve never fought a dragon before.
WIGLAF
Me either.
Hæreth steps into the room, her slender elegance contrasting
disjointedly with the harsh brutality of the room’s contents.
Beowulf motions for Wiglaf to leave them. He bows and exits.
HÆRETH
Must you go?
BEOWULF
You know I must. I have no choice.
HÆRETH
You said there is always a choice.
BEOWULF
Yes, I did. But sometimes it’s a
question of what those choices
are.
HÆRETH
Send someone else, Beowulf. You
are King now, you could send an
army in your stead!
BEOWULF
You know I cannot. It is my duty
as the King to protect my people.
This battle is for me alone.
146
HÆRETH
Haven’t you fought enough battles?
How many demons must you slay?
BEOWULF
However many there are. I must
fight till I can wield neither
sword nor shield. It is who I am.
HÆRETH
I remember the day your father
said that.
BEOWULF
I begged him not to go to Denmark.
HÆRETH
So he took you with him.
BEOWULF
You cannot escape Fate, Hæreth.
This is what the gods have made me
and in this matter, if no other, I
have no choice. You of all people
must understand that.
HÆRETH
I do, Beowulf, but it doesn’t make
it any easier to bear. I’m afraid.
BEOWULF
So am I. But if I am destined to
die, then all I can do is face my
fate bravely, and die with honor.
HÆRETH
And how will your honor protect me
when you are no longer there? Will
the memory of your great deeds
warm me in the cold winter night,
or hold off enemy invaders? Your
name means nothing to me, Beowulf.
Only your life matters.
BEOWULF
Look out the window, Hæreth. The
enemy is upon us! It is now that I
must protect you.
147
HÆRETH
And if you fall, who then will
lead us?
BEOWULF
Wiglaf shares my blood.
HÆRETH
Wiglaf? He’s just a boy! What hope
has he of leading our people?
BEOWULF
He is stronger than you think.
HÆRETH
Then let him fight the dragon!
BEOWULF
I can’t argue with you, Hæreth. My
strength is in my arms, not my
tongue, and you are wiser than I.
But I know what I am, and knowing
that, I know what I must do.
HÆRETH
Then perhaps you are wiser than I
after all.
BEOWULF
That I doubt.
HÆRETH
I love you, Beowulf.
BEOWULF
Then believe in me.
HÆRETH
I have never believed in anything
more.
EXT. SORROW HILL - EVENING
Beowulf marches intently, the iron shield slung across his back.
Wiglaf walks beside him, followed by Beowulf’s remaining men.
Hrolf brings up the rear, following reluctantly.
The villagers have gathered to watch them go. Svein glances back
at Hannah, who waves sadly. Ottar glances sidelong at Svein.
148
EXT. EAGLE’S CLIFF - EVENING
The men round a bluff and halt as the cavern entrance comes into
view. The hot springs is now a pool of liquid gold, its surface
licked by tongues of flame.
CROWS CAW LOUDLY as they flit from their cliff-side roosts.
THREE RAVENS remains perched above, silently watching them.
Near the archway the charred remains of a human figure lie
sprawled, its hands still clutching a golden chalice.
Beowulf moves toward it, Wiglaf close by his side. The others,
however, stay well back, warily eyeing the cavern entrance.
BEOWULF
Unferth.
WIGLAF
I thought he died at the lake.
BEOWULF
I let him go.
WIGLAF
The Fates were less merciful it
seems.
As they gaze down at the charred form, a weak MOAN is heard and
a single eye opens, bright white against the blackened skin.
UNFERTH
Don’t... go in. Dragon. Run.
Beowulf gazes darkly at the cavern entrance. A LOW RUMBLE
emanates from within.
BEOWULF
Too late.
Beowulf draws his sword and backs away from the entrance.
Unferth turns a pleading gaze on Wiglaf.
UNFERTH
Please... kill me.
But Unferth is already forgotten as Wiglaf sees in Beowulf a
look of apprehension hitherto unseen. The warriors glance
nervously at one another. Beowulf has never backed away before.
149
Wiglaf helps Beowulf unsling the iron shield from his back.
WIGLAF
(quietly, to Beowulf)
Remember who you are, my Lord.
Fight well, show courage, and let
Fate fare how she will.
Beowulf turns to Wiglaf, focused and intent once more.
BEOWULF
My thanks, good Wiglaf, for these
brave words. Wait for me close by,
my friend, for soon we shall see
who the Fates will favor.
Beowulf turns to his men.
BEOWULF
Stand back, men, and behold a
hero’s deed! With this sword will
I earn what’s hidden in this
earthen hall, or die a hero’s
death -- if this dragon will dare
come out to face me!
Beowulf dons his CROWNED HELM and turns toward the cave. He
clashes sword and shield together. The men move further away.
BEOWULF
Wake up dragon, for your doom is
upon you! Come forth and bow
before your master!
A GOLDEN EYE glares out menacingly from the darkness. The dragon
thrusts its head out of the opening and ROARS, SPOUTING FIRE.
Beowulf ducks behind his shield as FLAMES ENGULF HIM.
The dragon emerges from the cavern, spreading its leathery wings
to their full thirty foot span as its clawed feet pound into the
ground. It BELLOWS LOUDLY, baring rows of foot-long fangs.
Several men drop shields and swords, eyes wide with terror.
Beowulf sighs and feigns defeat, dropping his arms to his side
as he turns back to his men.
BEOWULF
Oy now! I cannot fight this beast!
150
Wiglaf stares at him with grave concern.
BEOWULF
Why, it's just a hatchling,
Wiglaf! The wee tot's lost it's
way!
Wiglaf laughs with relief. Beowulf turns back to the dragon,
which is eyeing him warily, sizing him up.
BEOWULF
Where's your mother whelp? Come
out here and play! I’ll teach you
a new game!
The DRAGON ROARS and pounds the ground, SMASHING UNFERTH FLAT as
it comes forward, BILLOWING FIRE.
Beowulf lunges under the beast, slashing a great gap in one of
its outstretched wings as he does.
The DRAGON HOWLS WITH RAGE, knocking Beowulf aside with a clawed
wing, sending him sprawling into the rocky cliff.
Beowulf rolls out of the way just as the dragon's head slams
into the stone mere inches away. He bellows with fury, bringing
his sword down with all his might on the serpent's snout -THE BLADE SHATTERS ON IMPACT. Beowulf stares at the hilt.
BEOWULF
Curse Weland’s forge!
SVEIN, watching from nearby, is dumbfounded.
SVEIN
He broke it! He broke his father's
sword.
OTTAR
We're doomed.
A BOUT OF FLAME chars Beowulf's exposed hand and he screams in
agony. A clawed wing slams him into stone, talons tearing flesh.
The dragon ENGULFS HIM IN FLAME, but he shields himself in the
nick of time, his back to the wall, trapped.
WIGLAF draws his sword and turns to face the cowering warriors,
who have moved further back.
151
WIGLAF
Now is the time to remember our
oaths, men! Remember how we swore
to stand by our lord when he had
need of us! That time is now at
hand, for see, his need is hard
upon him!
BEOWULF endures the heat of the fiery onslaught, grimacing with
pain as sweat pours down his face. Blood seeps from several
wounds, and his sword arm is badly burned.
THE IRON SHIELD begins to soften and melt, dripping molten metal
onto his leg and shoulder. Beowulf screams in agony.
THE WARRIORS hedge, torn between duty and certain death.
HROLF
We cannot win this battle! No man
can slay a dragon, only the gods
can do that!
WIGLAF
Little does that matter, Hrolf.
All that matters is that we live
well and die with honor.
HROLF
I would rather live in exile than
die in vain!
Hrolf turns and flees. Svein and Ottar are conflicted.
SVEIN
I swore to look after Hannah.
OTTAR
I only have one arm!
Wiglaf’s eyes go dark as he turns back to the battle.
BEOWULF slams his molten shield into the dragon's face. The
DRAGON ROARS as Beowulf leaps atop it’s head, clinging to the
spines protruding from the back of its skull.
THE DRAGON rears its head high above the ground, BELLOWING with
rage. FLAMES ERUPT as the dragon shakes its head from side to
side, trying to dislodge its assailant. It stamps the ground.
Rocks fall all around as the EARTH CRACKS beneath its feet.
152
With every ounce of strength he has, Beowulf rips one of the
horned spines from the dragon's skull. THE BEAST WAILS IN AGONY
as Beowulf plunges the spike into one of its eyes.
THE DRAGON FLAILS WILDLY, wings fanning flame. BEOWULF FALLS,
but clutches onto the stump protruding from the creature's eye.
He swings wildly, feet dangling near the monster's mouth.
A razor-sharp talon pierces through Beowulf's shoulder as a
clawed wing engulfs him, tearing him away.
The dragon brings Beowulf level with its good eye, staring at
its prey menacingly. The CRUNCH OF BREAKING BONE is heard.
THE DRAGON SUDDENLY HOWLS WITH PAIN, loosening its grip. Beowulf
falls to the ground beside Wiglaf. The dragon rises to its full
height, WAILING, Wiglaf’s sword hilt protruding from its belly.
WIGLAF'S WOODEN SHIELD DISINTEGRATES as he is engulfed in flame.
He screams in agony and rolls from the fire, singed, but alive.
THE DRAGON FIRE follows close behind as he frantically flees.
Beowulf struggles to his feet. His left arm is shattered and the
ends of broken bone protrude from a gaping shoulder wound.
Reaching up with his good arm, he wrenches Wiglaf's sword free,
and with his last remaining strength swings the blade, slicing
open the dragon's exposed underbelly.
Wiglaf’s eyes go wide as the serpent’s head bears down on him,
ROARING -- and CRASHES to the ground right in front of him.
Beowulf stumbles back against the rock wall and slowly sinks to
the ground, leaving a bright red streak of blood.
Wiglaf rushes to Beowulf’s side. He fights back tears as he
removes Beowulf's helmet. Beowulf gazes sidelong at Wiglaf,
grimacing through the pain.
BEOWULF
I was wondering when you’d show
up.
WIGLAF
Victory is yours, my King! You
have slain the Würm.
THE COWARDLY WARRIORS peer tentatively from their retreat around
the corner of the bluff, their eyes filled with guilt and grief.
153
Wiglaf's lip trembles as he tries to stay brave.
WIGLAF
What a song the Harper shall sing
this night! We will sing of
Beowulf, the slayer of dragons!
BEOWULF
I should like to hear that song.
WIGLAF
You shall hear it, my Lord, for it
shall be sung in the Hall of
Heroes unto the end of days.
BEOWULF
Hæreth was right. My days of joy
in this world have ended. I have
fought my last battle. Death has
found me at last.
WIGLAF
It was a good battle, my Lord. A
more fitting end for such a man
could not be found. You have won
fame beyond man’s skill to tell.
BEOWULF
Long would I have ruled the Geats,
my friend, and lived in peace. But
my days have gone as Fate would
have them.
Beowulf grimaces with pain, grasping for Wiglaf's shoulder.
BEOWULF
Oy! I don't feel so good, Wiglaf!
WIGLAF
I'm right here, my Lord.
BEOWULF
Ah, Wiglaf! A better friend I
could not want. You alone have
stood by me where others fled when
courage failed. In faith, you are
the true dragon-slayer!
154
WIGLAF
Nay, Lord, I have only done as any
good man must: follow where the
better man leads, and hope to
share in his good fortunes.
BEOWULF
Aye, and a share of that fortune
you shall have, my brave friend.
With his last strength Beowulf lifts his crowned helm -- the
symbol of his power -- and hands it to Wiglaf.
BEOWULF
You're the last of my kin, Wiglaf.
Take what I leave... lead our
people. My day is done...
Beowulf gazes up at the sky for the last time. The stars have
come out, and the moon is just cresting the horizon.
BEOWULF
The hero now must sleep...
The harp falls silent...
All hope is lost...
INTERCUT - BEOWULF'S FINAL VISION
Before Beowulf a radiant Hæreth stands, angelic and ethereal.
HÆRETH
Not all hope. Such shall remain so
long as there are men left to tell
your tale. The harps yet may sing.
Behind Hæreth, the THREE RAVENS swoop slowly down, TRANSFORMING
into THE THREE NORNS, the Sisters of Fate: beautiful maidens
hovering in air, beckoning to him.
BEOWULF
Fate leads me on... and I must
follow.
BACK TO SCENE
Beowulf stares blindly at nothing. Wiglaf bows his head and
weeps. Wiglaf, of course, has seen none of this.
155
THE COWARDLY WARRIORS emerge slowly, gathering around
tentatively. Wiglaf glares at them over his shoulder, his eyes
cold and stern. He stands to face them.
WIGLAF
Easily now can any man say that he
who gave you this war gear threw
it utterly away, for little did it
avail him when the battle came.
The warriors hang their heads in disgrace.
WIGLAF
But now is the giving of treasures
over for us. Now is our time of
war truly at hand, when the death
of our Protector becomes known.
EXT. SORROW HILL - TWILIGHT
A FUNERAL PROCESSION progresses slowly through the barrow field,
bearing Beowulf’s body, dressed in golden armor. Hæreth walks
behind the bier, her face covered. Wiglaf is at her side. A long
line of MOURNERS trails behind, weaving into the distance.
WIGLAF (VO)
In a thousand lands will we be
scattered. Spears shall be our
walking sticks; our shields must
protect us from the rain. Dark
dawns will greet us, and no harps
shall sing us to our rest.
EXT. EAGLE'S CLIFF - SUNSET
On the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea BEOWULF’S PYRE has
been built: a funeral ship to bear him on his final voyage. Its
hull is filled with the DRAGON’S TREASURE. The gangplank is
drawn out and TORCH-BEARERS stand on either side.
WIGLAF (VO)
Now must we sing the death knell,
for our nation has fallen with our
King. The dragon has slain us all.
Wiglaf and Hæreth stop before the ship as Beowulf's body is
carried aboard and placed amidships atop a high dais.
156
The hushed crowd gathers around as Hæreth steps forward, taking
a burning torch in hand.
HÆRETH
Hear me, Odin! Hear me, Frigg!
Hear me, O Goddess of the Night!
Hold now these golden gifts, now
that men may not. No one now
remains to lift these silver
swords, nor burnish bright the
battle-mask. The hero sleeps who
would wear these shirts of steel.
Never more will he look upon this
world. Take back to your bosom
this treasure of kings. Embrace
once more this fragile flesh. For
at the last we all return again to
you.
Tears streak her cheeks as she thrusts the torch into the
kindling. The sun sets on Geatland as flames engulf the ship.
HÆRETH
Sleep well, Beowulf, best of men.
Of Kings you were the kindest, of
men most courteous, and to your
people the proudest and most
deserving of fame.
Hæreth slowly climbs the gangplank and walks into the flames.
The Raven flits by, following the plume of smoke up into
darkness.
FADE OUT
THE END